6
votes
What is the reason why Buddhist monks don't work to support themselves? Do the monastic rules prohibit them from working?
I recommend you to read the Kasi Bharadvaja Sutta. Kasi Bharadvaja was a farmer who asked this exact question from the Buddha. Monks dedicate their lives to spiritual development. They do not have ...
- 25.7k
5
votes
Accepted
What are the consequences of a monk eating meat?
As far as the theory of monastics eating meat is concerned, here are two enlightening videos/articles on the subject:
Ask A Monk: Mark Zuckerberg, Vegetarianism and Killing
The Bhikkhus' Rules
A ...
- 635
5
votes
Monastics & Hygiene
Monks and nuns generally take good care of their bodies so they may be better able to continue to share the dharma with those who may benefit. They keep good hygiene of their robes and living quarters ...
- 51
4
votes
What is the purpose of not eating after noon?
Eating once or twice a day has been shown to be very healthy and is called "intermittent fasting". It is especially useful for mental clarity and promoting the body's use of fat for energy, actually ...
- 49
4
votes
What is the reason why Buddhist monks don't work to support themselves? Do the monastic rules prohibit them from working?
From this guide for laypersons interacting with monks:
The Buddha suggested that the basic source of food for bhikkhus
was that received on the morning alms round (pi.n.dapaata). This daily
...
- 37.4k
4
votes
Do any modern ("free-thinking") monks or monastic orders discard elements of the Vinaya?
CASE 16. UMMON'S SEVEN-FOLD ROBE
Ummon said, "The world is vast and wide; why do you put on
your seven-piece robe at the sound of the bell?"
Mumon's Comment: When one meditates and studies ...
- 41
4
votes
How does one decide whether one lives a lay married life or a celibate life?
If one is married, one can first understand that desire is more often asymmetrical than not. One can also observe resentment arising out of asymmetrical desire.
Asymmetrical desire therefore provides ...
- 9,348
4
votes
Can a monk choose to eat only an animal or plant that had died naturally?
This answer is based on the Theravada tradition.
Please read The Bhikkhus' Rules:
A Guide for Laypeople by Ven. Ariyesako, Bhikkhu Patimokkha by Ven. Thanissaro and DN 2 for details.
A bhikkhu is a ...
- 37.4k
3
votes
Can one be a part-time monk?
Some people become temporary monks -- I think that's a common practice in some countries.
How to become a monk? says, about "temporary bhikkhus",
Naturally, temporary bhikkhus are allowed ...
- 46.3k
3
votes
Why monks have to take alms for their food?
Yes there is a clear reason why Lord Buddha himself didn't to that and forbid others to do it too.
As you know Prince "Siddhartha" (the prince who became our Lord Buddha) gave up all hopes of life ...
- 3,953
3
votes
Why monks have to take alms for their food?
I don't hink there is a canonical answer in the Pali-canon about the "why".
But in the books of Thich Nhat Hanh which I accept as quite authoritative there is an explanation in the ...
- 754
3
votes
Accepted
How careful must monks be about their use of water?
The common answer is that microbes and smaller life forms are exempt from Buddhist classifications of sentient life forms.
I'd like to make a more nuanced point.
At the time it was written, this ...
- 7,433
3
votes
What is the purpose of not eating after noon?
I asked about this matter to my teacher before, a lot of thai monks have problems with their health because of eating once a day. Then i realised that a lot of them ate rice cakes and thai foods is ...
- 399
3
votes
Accepted
A question regarding the level of worldly participation for a buddhist monk
As a Zen Monk I can answer the question regarding worldly participation in the following way. There is no definitive suggestion or rule within the Monastic Code of a Mahayana Monk. A Monk or Nun has ...
- 184
3
votes
What is the meaning behind different robe colors?
The command was the color Kasava--that means dirty or stained brown. No other color allowed. But the patches and dyes varied, so the Buddha approved the MINOR variations of brown. The idea behind the ...
- 31
3
votes
Is there any significance to shaving the head?
(I can't comment on this "...it is interesting to note that once you become enlightened you don't worry about such small things. Although Siddhartha cut his hair, Buddha kept long hair himself. – ...
3
votes
Accepted
Is there an established monastic order, with the beleifs and practices same as the Goenka school of meditation?
(a) 'An established monastic order' - This the Goenka school is not.
There is no Goenka School. Generally this is referred as the linage of Saya Gyi U Ba Khin and Ledi Sayadaw U Ñanadhaja. Also it is ...
3
votes
Can a Bhikkhu yell at or beat a lay person under the vinaya?
Even torward a cat, insects or non-human, neither insulting nor even beating would be proper and allowable, in cases against humans it might be even seens as heavier then toward a fellow or novice.
It ...
- 195
3
votes
What is the reason why Buddhist monks don't work to support themselves? Do the monastic rules prohibit them from working?
Gharāvāsa (layman) = ghara (house) + vasa (living) = the person who live in the house with 5 kāmaguṇa, the cause of disturbance, such as color, sound, smell, taste, and touch. And if you even read M.N....
- 6,208
3
votes
How would/should a perfect monk appear, act and possible serve you?
There is no perfection can be found in the realm of forms. Only Nibbana is perfect. Even an Arahant who attained Nibbana permanently and have great wisdom, higher goodness and intelligence still has ...
- 1,058
3
votes
Should any monastic be considered a noble one?
Should every monastic unconditionally be considered a noble one, and treated as such, to abstain from bad kamma at the very least? or are lay people, and other monastics, free to use personal ...
- 9,707
3
votes
Should any monastic be considered a noble one?
Should every monastic be considered a noble?
- I think no you should not always consider such just based on the clothes a person is wearing (ie: Monk Robes). It could be anyone in the guise of a monk.
...
- 378
3
votes
Are monks expected to accept life lessons from (time spent with) the laity?
In Ubon Ratchatani Luang Por Char talked about (translating from Isaan language) how "everything is teaching us."
Also, working with people was developing strength in him, he said.
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