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Monasticism is present in numerous religions, with Buddhism immediately coming to mind. In the case of Buddhist monks, they dedicate their lives to the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama and, ultimately, the pursuit of enlightenment. Indeed, there's a whole lot more to monks than just wearing robes and shaving their heads!
These monks live by a strict set of rules, and some of them might seem somewhat bizarre to someone who doesn't follow the Buddhist tradition. Intrigued? Click through the following gallery and learn more about what Buddhist monks can and can't do.
Before the Chinese invasion, it is estimated that one in six men in Tibet were monks.
Vinaya is the division of the Buddhist canon that contains the rules monks have to follow.
The rules are based on precepts that vary in application, depending on the branch of Buddhism you follow and your status.
The rule book per se for monks and nuns is called Pratimokṣa (or the Pātimokkha in the Pāli language). Now, let’s look at some of the rules they must follow.
All life is sacred, including animals and plants. This rule is so important that violating it can get a monk cast out.
Buddhist monks can only take what is given to them by other people. They only own their clothes, a razor, and not much more.
Stealing and begging are completely out of the question. They can only accept what is given to them freely.
Celibacy is a popular vow in many religions, and Buddhist monks also abstain from intimate relations.
These cravings are a source of desire, and therefore of suffering. But things can get a bit more strict in some traditions: a monk shouldn’t even touch his mother out of affection.
Defamation, lying, and gossip are a no-no for Buddhist monks. This applies to both speaking and writing.
Buddhist monks abstain from alcohol, the only exception being the use of alcohol in medicines. And, even so, it depends how much it contains.
Alcohol and drugs lead to intoxication, and, consequently, carelessness. All of which go against the principles of Buddhism.
Monks may only eat between dawn and noon. So, no midnight snacks for them!
Yes, they’ve been doing intermittent fasting for many years. Way before it became popular in the West...
Watching TV, listening to music, dancing, singing, or going to shows are earthly pleasures that might create attachment. It’s not clear, but we assume video games are also forbidden. But the enforcement of this rule varies, depending on the tradition.
Some traditions do use music and chanting. Albeit, in reality, not as a form of entertainment, but of helping on their path towards enlightenment.
Buddhist monks are not allowed to wear fragrances. We wonder if scented candles are okay?
Nor can they wear any other clothes. And yes, that includes designer robes...
Elaborate furniture is not allowed. Monks must not use “high and large luxurious couches,” according to the Ninth Precept.
While they might accept other things, such as food, they are forbidden from accepting money. But this rule has been relaxed over the years.
In fact, the original rules make reference to silver and gold. For instance, there have been reports of Buddhist monasteries lending money to the community.
Buying and selling was also strictly forbidden.
Sources: (Grunge) (Northern Kentucky University)
Strict rules Buddhist monks have to follow
From celibacy to not drinking alcohol
LIFESTYLE Religion
Monasticism is present in numerous religions, with Buddhism immediately coming to mind. In the case of Buddhist monks, they dedicate their lives to the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama and, ultimately, the pursuit of enlightenment. Indeed, there's a whole lot more to monks than just wearing robes and shaving their heads!
These monks live by a strict set of rules, and some of them might seem somewhat bizarre to someone who doesn't follow the Buddhist tradition. Intrigued? Click through the following gallery and learn more about what Buddhist monks can and can't do.