The first birth is the natural one, the second is the one that comes with ordination, a ceremony that can only take place once a year at Triyam Pavai, also the Bra hman New Year, which, depending on the astrological charts, falls in either December of January. Shawin said he entered the priesthood at the age of 25 after the death of his father, the former Chief Brahman, thus maintaining the tradition whereby at least one son in each family inherits su ch a duty. His daily life, he explained, is similar to that of ordinary Thais except for the recitation from the vedas, a form of worship and prayer that should be performed at least three or four times a day. Compared to Buddhist monks, his life as a Brahman ascetic is subject to less restrictions. While white is the official dress of Brahman priests, other colours may be worn at ordinary times.
Daily routine is much the same as for the layman.
A Brahman priest will usually awaken at 6 a.m. to pray. The daily recital of prayers is at the discretion of the individual, but the amount of merit earned is proportional to the amount of prayer. Traditionally the most important rites conducted by Brahmans relate to the monarchy and include coronation, royal weddings, oaths of allegiance and the first ploughing ceremony. They also make astrological calculations for auspicious times for various ceremonies and undertakings. In former times they world also have interpreted a king's dreams and predicted fortunes in battle.