23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
A young novice monk pauses in quiet reflection beside an ancient temple window

Soft daylight filters through the old wooden window, illuminating a young novice monk seated in peaceful stillness. Draped in a deep red robe, he gazes upward toward the intricate carved figure on the wooden panel, creating a serene contrast between shadow and light. Behind him, the stone stupa outside glows gently in the sun, adding a timeless, spiritual atmosphere to the scene. The image beautifully captures a moment of contemplation within a historic temple setting.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 12.2023
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: Bagan, Myanmar
Camera: 2201116TG
Copyright: © Win Tun Aung