Buddhism
Q&A for people practicing or interested in Buddhist philosophy, teaching, and practice
Latest Questions
9
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8
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710
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If a Buddhist believes lay life is not ideal for the practice, why does he or she continue?
Usually in the evening, when I am about to retire, I commit myself to finding and entering into a residential Sangha permanently. When morning rolls in, I fall back into my usual patterns like work, hobbies, social, etc. Usually when I suffer, this emboldens me to seek the monastic life but usually...
Usually in the evening, when I am about to retire, I commit myself to finding and entering into a residential Sangha permanently.
When morning rolls in, I fall back into my usual patterns like work, hobbies, social, etc.
Usually when I suffer, this emboldens me to seek the monastic life but usually doesn't last very long.
When I think about it, I feel like the monastic life is the only way to proceed yet I don't follow through with it.
Speaking from a general point-of-view, if a Buddhist knows that the lay life is not ideal, what barriers (overt and inconspicuous) are preventing them from seeking and living the monastical life. How can they be overcomed ?
pmagunia
(1353 rep)
Dec 11, 2014, 11:15 PM
• Last activity: May 29, 2025, 05:24 PM
2
votes
2
answers
87
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Pali Patimokkha versions and recital
Is there a standardized version of Pali Patimokkha to be memorized? Is there a difference in the recital of the Pali Patimokkha among the monks?
Is there a standardized version of Pali Patimokkha to be memorized?
Is there a difference in the recital of the Pali Patimokkha among the monks?
user23846
(21 rep)
Jun 14, 2022, 09:20 PM
• Last activity: Jul 5, 2024, 02:41 AM
1
votes
3
answers
135
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Are there any differences between living in a meditation centre vs a monastery?
With all due appreciation for all positive interventions and with apologies for a seemingly dilettantish question, does anyone have any insight on the differences as well as on the commonalities of living long-term inside a meditation center compared to a monastery?
With all due appreciation for all positive interventions and with apologies for a seemingly dilettantish question, does anyone have any insight on the differences as well as on the commonalities of living long-term inside a meditation center compared to a monastery?
Abbad Ayman
(11 rep)
Jul 19, 2023, 12:51 PM
• Last activity: Jul 23, 2023, 11:07 PM
4
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3
answers
132
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Need help with ordination questions
I'm a westerner, non-thai speaker, age 37. I want to ordain in Asia (not in the West) and then stay there for 5 years with a preceptor and then either continue to stay there or move back to Europe and live as monk but the problem is that not many placese in Europe have monks living. Also where shoul...
I'm a westerner, non-thai speaker, age 37. I want to ordain in Asia (not in the West) and then stay there for 5 years with a preceptor and then either continue to stay there or move back to Europe and live as monk but the problem is that not many placese in Europe have monks living. Also where should one ordain in Sri Lanka or Thailand? I read about Ven. Ajahn Chah who made monasteries for westerners to ordain but where should one stay afterwards?
Can one live alone after the 5 years or more and how would a lonely monk survive in Europe?
Thank you.
user24100
Sep 5, 2022, 04:43 PM
• Last activity: Feb 6, 2023, 03:35 PM
1
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3
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142
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Buddha saying he doesn't have to follow all the rules?
In which sutta does the Buddha state that he does not have to follow all the monastic rules and austerities closely because he is already liberated and free, as an arahant? I remember reading this recently but I couldn't easily find it again.
In which sutta does the Buddha state that he does not have to follow all the monastic rules and austerities closely because he is already liberated and free, as an arahant?
I remember reading this recently but I couldn't easily find it again.
ruben2020
(39432 rep)
Sep 4, 2022, 04:18 PM
• Last activity: Oct 5, 2022, 08:19 AM
4
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4
answers
387
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Monks, their hospitalization and their medical treatment
I have questions regarding hospitalization and its morals 1. Are monks/nuns allowed to be hospitalized and can they go to a hospital or doctor if sick? (because aren't they not allowed to request anything according to the vinaya?) 2. Can a monk/nun take painkillers or will that be a breach of the fi...
I have questions regarding hospitalization and its morals
1. Are monks/nuns allowed to be hospitalized and can they go to a hospital or doctor if sick? (because aren't they not allowed to request anything according to the vinaya?)
2. Can a monk/nun take painkillers or will that be a breach of the fifth precept?
3. If there is a parasite or other being inside of someone, can they take medicine to cure themselves of it, or would that break the first precept, or is it not if the being isn't sentient?
user16793
Nov 14, 2019, 05:49 AM
• Last activity: Jun 17, 2022, 05:51 PM
-4
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1
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116
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Using money and improper dependency of monks on householders?
If one reads [this quote by a monk](https://ninjastream.to/download/n9JZrxK8gAG72/atid-370-uncensored-mp4), who is referring to [donations to SuttaCentral](https://suttacentral.net/donations?lang=en): >...For the past week or so, we’ve been actually losing money on Stripe: paying more in settlement...
If one reads [this quote by a monk](https://ninjastream.to/download/n9JZrxK8gAG72/atid-370-uncensored-mp4) , who is referring to [donations to SuttaCentral](https://suttacentral.net/donations?lang=en) :
>...For the past week or so, we’ve been actually losing money on Stripe: paying more in settlement fees than we get in donations.
- What should one assume in regard of observing Vinaya while letting people believe to act in preserving a noble tradition?
*This seems to be referring to asking people to donate money, to preserve a noble tradition (i.e. the scriptures published by SuttaCentral) -- but can they be doing this and observing Vinaya?*
- Maybe some can quote some related texts to money and relation issues from open resources on the matter to try to catch bite the tail (don't forget to donate...). What faults can come into play? What's required to make with things attained wrongly?
What can be assumed when Bhikkhus share food and success, trade together with lay people?
*To answer this question, perhaps quote from available from resources, on issues such as money and relationships. Are these faults? Is this an example of Bhikkhus sharing food, and success, and trading commercially with lay people?*
Samana
(9 rep)
Mar 15, 2022, 03:08 AM
• Last activity: Mar 15, 2022, 01:08 PM
1
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2
answers
37
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Books on monastic traditions and techniques
Almost twenty years ago I did a meditation on death that catapulted me into a Near Death Experience the likes of which I could not even have imagined possible. This 'mini enlightenment' allowed me to let go of some but not all attachments. Over the years, I have tried (in vain) to recreate that expe...
Almost twenty years ago I did a meditation on death that catapulted me into a Near Death Experience the likes of which I could not even have imagined possible. This 'mini enlightenment' allowed me to let go of some but not all attachments.
Over the years, I have tried (in vain) to recreate that experience via the same method and by trying other techniques from a variety of traditions. But since I did not get results and living in a world of phenomena competing for my attention I ceased seeking after 15 years.
Recently however it occurred to me that there might be some resource out there, such as a book, that lists all of the techniques developed by the monastic tradition within buddhism, and that I might profit from systematically trying all of them that I am able to. I'm aware that it is folly to seek such experiences as ends in themselves.
Does such a book exist?
duckegg
(113 rep)
Mar 9, 2022, 10:53 AM
• Last activity: Mar 9, 2022, 02:17 PM
4
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4
answers
268
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Did the Buddha form a monastery?
According to Wikipedia's [Buddhist monasticism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_monasticism) article, the Buddha formed the first monastery. There is no source, 'though. To quote: > Buddhist Monasticism is one of the earliest surviving forms of organized monasticism in the history of religion...
According to Wikipedia's [Buddhist monasticism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_monasticism) article, the Buddha formed the first monastery. There is no source, 'though. To quote:
> Buddhist Monasticism is one of the earliest surviving forms of organized monasticism in the history of religion.
>
> The order of Buddhist monks and nuns was founded by Gautama Buddha during his lifetime over 2500 years ago.
Ok, so it doesn't specifically say 'monastery' here but still, an order of monks and nuns, some sort of precursor to a monastery at least.
According to History World's History of Monasticism :
> Leading his followers into holiness a generation after Mahavira, Buddha also organizes them into communities.
Is this just "according to tradition" or is there historical evidence of him forming a monastery/order/community: such as archaeological findings or non-religious texts? If yes, is there's anything left of the original or has it all branched out?
inzenity
(674 rep)
Sep 8, 2015, 03:16 PM
• Last activity: Dec 6, 2021, 01:19 PM
1
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1
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124
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Did eating less cause dietary problems for ascetics like Buddha?
I have heard that Buddha was eating similar to one meal a day. Is this true? Would this not lead to severe constipation? Was it common for ascetics to take medicines to help purge the food waste from their bodies?
I have heard that Buddha was eating similar to one meal a day. Is this true? Would this not lead to severe constipation? Was it common for ascetics to take medicines to help purge the food waste from their bodies?
nacre
(1901 rep)
Nov 10, 2021, 04:21 PM
• Last activity: Nov 10, 2021, 07:26 PM
3
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2
answers
97
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Were/are Zen monastery time schedules liberal with regard to meal and dharma talk timing?
When reading Zen Master Dogen's Shobogenzo it attracted my attention that one of the fascicle postscripts said "Presented to the assembly at the hour of the Rat (midnight)". Given that this was happening during Dogen's time in the 13th century, this late dharma talk would have necessitated the burni...
When reading Zen Master Dogen's Shobogenzo it attracted my attention that one of the fascicle postscripts said "Presented to the assembly at the hour of the Rat (midnight)". Given that this was happening during Dogen's time in the 13th century, this late dharma talk would have necessitated the burning of lamp oil and the whole monastic assembly being awake to hear the dharma being expounded.
I have also heard from other sangha members that some Zen monasteries have a dinner in the early evening (16-17) which would contrast with the Theravada and Tibetan approaches of not having any meals after noon.
Are those aspects of the time schedule considered traditional in Zen monastic life? Is there more material on the subject of the practical everyday aspects of Zen monastic conduct that I could read?
Both Soto and Rinzai historical as well as contemporary accounts welcome.
user22043
(31 rep)
Nov 4, 2021, 03:32 PM
• Last activity: Nov 10, 2021, 05:45 PM
2
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3
answers
270
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How difficult is it to be a foreign monk in Asia?
I wonder about the practicalities of being a foreign monk in Asia, especially Theravada-majority countries. In particular; About the Visa arrangements, can this at all be handled without much stress by one who doesn't use money? What about the rule of not driving a car or using vehicles, is this a r...
I wonder about the practicalities of being a foreign monk in Asia, especially Theravada-majority countries.
In particular;
About the Visa arrangements, can this at all be handled without much stress by one who doesn't use money?
What about the rule of not driving a car or using vehicles, is this a rule that can be kept by one in such a predicament?
Anything relevant is of interest.
user8527
Sep 13, 2021, 05:16 PM
• Last activity: Sep 18, 2021, 11:28 AM
-1
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4
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608
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Fecal and Urine medicines, what are the recipes?
> A medicine may be made of the “four great filthy things”: excrement, urine, ashes, and clay > > A bhikkhu’s basic medicinal support is puti-mutta-bhesajja, which translates literally as “rancid urine medicine” (Mv.I.30.4) does anybody know a recipe? Also any relevant information pls, tyvm.
> A medicine may be made of the “four great filthy things”: excrement, urine, ashes, and clay
>
> A bhikkhu’s basic medicinal support is puti-mutta-bhesajja, which translates literally as “rancid urine medicine” (Mv.I.30.4)
does anybody know a recipe?
Also any relevant information pls, tyvm.
user8527
Jan 19, 2018, 05:40 AM
• Last activity: Jul 28, 2021, 08:00 PM
4
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2
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91
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What are the prescription regarding a bhikkhu or a monastery having a lay-attendant?
I am curious about vinaya regulations & accounts otherwise relevant to a householder's attending to the bhikkhusangha. Of interest are lay attendants in particular, how far one can go in being useful, what makes a good lay-attendant as to ideal & minimal qualification. Not particularly interested in...
I am curious about vinaya regulations & accounts otherwise relevant to a householder's attending to the bhikkhusangha.
Of interest are lay attendants in particular, how far one can go in being useful, what makes a good lay-attendant as to ideal & minimal qualification.
Not particularly interested in the circumstance of an anagarika or a novice's circumstance, although i would appreciate a delineation of differences very much.
References & general thoughts on the matter are welcome.
user8527
Jul 23, 2021, 12:54 PM
• Last activity: Jul 24, 2021, 03:38 PM
3
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5
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1388
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What are the consequences of a monk eating meat?
This is not a question about being a vegetarian. My question is since the Buddha didn't prohibit monks from eating meat, and since monks are supposed to be easy to maintain and take what is offered, how should/would a monk who has chosen to be a vegetarian handle being offered meat by a lay person?...
This is not a question about being a vegetarian. My question is since the Buddha didn't prohibit monks from eating meat, and since monks are supposed to be easy to maintain and take what is offered, how should/would a monk who has chosen to be a vegetarian handle being offered meat by a lay person?
If they chose to refuse the meal would that make them high maintenance, proud or unappreciative? If they ate it, how would they reconcile that with their personal practice?
I'm particularly interested in an answer from any monastic on how they have handled or would handle this.
m2015
(1344 rep)
May 23, 2017, 12:14 AM
• Last activity: Jul 2, 2021, 03:15 AM
6
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7
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Can a monk choose to eat only an animal or plant that had died naturally?
If someone hires a person to kill another and the plot is discovered, both the hired killer and the one who hired him will be arrested and imprisoned. Yet, somehow, if a monk eats food given by others, no negative kamma is created, even though the monk is aware of and complicit in the process of kil...
If someone hires a person to kill another and the plot is discovered, both the hired killer and the one who hired him will be arrested and imprisoned.
Yet, somehow, if a monk eats food given by others, no negative kamma is created, even though the monk is aware of and complicit in the process of killing, i.e. he knows someone else had to do the killing of the plant or animal for his ultimate benefit, even if it wasn't explicitly killed for him.
Even worse, someone whose profession involves the daily killing of animals as is the case in a slaughterhouse, has to bear the mental consequences of this daily ritual as well as its kammic consequences.
Yet a monk can avoid all this simply by waiting for someone to put the dead animal in his bowl. The morality of this doesn't make sense.
I would think the only morally harmless situation would be for a monk to only eat an animal or plant that had already died naturally, either by scavenging for it or waiting for another to do so on his behalf.
Question:
Can a monk choose to eat only an animal or plant that had died naturally? This either by scavenging on his own or by waiting for others to offer this to him?
SlowBurn
(180 rep)
Jun 30, 2021, 08:24 AM
• Last activity: Jul 1, 2021, 01:50 PM
1
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4
answers
181
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How should Buddhism be introduced to a country?
What has historical precedent to teach and what is your opinion?
What has historical precedent to teach and what is your opinion?
user8527
Jun 20, 2021, 11:21 PM
• Last activity: Jun 23, 2021, 01:57 PM
1
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2
answers
279
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Do you need both parents' permission to become ordained?
Do you need both parents' permission to become ordained? What if one of the parents refuses contact? Should you strive for it?
Do you need both parents' permission to become ordained?
What if one of the parents refuses contact? Should you strive for it?
Euphorbium
(239 rep)
Nov 24, 2016, 09:06 AM
• Last activity: Jun 20, 2021, 07:23 PM
15
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14
answers
65386
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What is the meaning behind different robe colors?
I have seen the same monk in two different color robes and am wondering why. They were dark red and of course orange. Ihave also seen brown, but that was zen, and if any other colors have relevance i would like to hear about them as well. I practice Theravada if that helps with referencing or releva...
I have seen the same monk in two different color robes and am wondering why. They were dark red and of course orange. Ihave also seen brown, but that was zen, and if any other colors have relevance i would like to hear about them as well. I practice Theravada if that helps with referencing or relevance issues.
Anatta34811
(465 rep)
Jun 29, 2014, 05:17 AM
• Last activity: Jun 9, 2021, 05:40 PM
4
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3
answers
140
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Relying on the Laity, monastics
I had questions regarding the laity, monastic relationship. > 1) How exactly (the step by step or explained) does the process work > in which the monastics rely solely on the laity? > > 2) How do monks publish works (such as books) and not deal with the > money involved in their lives? Metta!
I had questions regarding the laity, monastic relationship.
> 1) How exactly (the step by step or explained) does the process work
> in which the monastics rely solely on the laity?
>
> 2) How do monks publish works (such as books) and not deal with the
> money involved in their lives?
Metta!
user16793
Nov 13, 2019, 06:13 PM
• Last activity: May 13, 2021, 08:04 AM
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