Author: Mehrullah Azizi
An Analysis of the History and Beliefs of Buddhism (part 31)
A: Definition of Monasticism
Monasticism, in terminology, has been defined by some scholars of Buddhism as follows: Monasticism means abstaining from all undesirable and immoral actions and completely withdrawing from social and urban life. In other words, it refers to distancing oneself from the entire worldly life and the common way people live—separating from the lifestyle followed by ordinary individuals. [1]
This meaning is also reflected in the book Tripitaka, where the term is used in this sense throughout. That text contains all matters related to monastic life, such as the system and organization of monks’ lives, their rules and etiquette, rituals, ceremonies, and other issues connected to monasticism.
Dr. Hakim Amin states, “What is meant by ‘monasticism’ is a way of life in which a person withdraws from society and lives in complete solitude and isolation, with the aim of devoting oneself to worship.”
Dr. Raouf Habib adds that asceticism, piety, and voluntarily choosing poverty are also among the meanings of monasticism. He says, “Monasticism refers to asceticism and piety, seclusion and solitude for the purpose of worship, and detachment from the world, along with the voluntary adoption of poverty.” [2]
In the book History of the Coptic Nation, it is also stated: “Monasticism is the act of dedicating oneself to renouncing the world and turning toward God, along with voluntarily choosing poverty and withdrawing from worldly life for the sake of worship.” [3]
B: The Origin and History of Monasticism in Buddhism
Monasticism has an ancient history and is not a phenomenon that emerged simultaneously with Buddhism. It existed before the appearance of the Buddha in the Brahmanical tradition and later spread more extensively within Jainism. However, the emergence of monasticism within Buddhism dates back to the early Buddhist period, specifically to the first half of the 6th century BCE.
At that time, signs of monasticism were already visible in society, and groups of ascetics and recluses had appeared. These included Brahmanical monks, followers of Jainism, yogis, and other groups. Such individuals distanced themselves from society and ordinary life for the sake of worship and asceticism, living in forests and caves. Some of them devoted their time to reflection and contemplation on the mysteries of life, attempting to understand its deeper meanings, while others accustomed themselves to various hardships and forms of austerity. [4]
They believed that such practices purified the soul and freed it from bodily constraints. Many of these ascetics traveled from village to village, seeking food from the people. At the same time, they moved through rural areas to spread their ideas and beliefs among the population. The natural environment and living conditions of that time also trained them to endure hardship and remain patient in the face of difficulties.
Among these ascetics was a prince named Siddhartha, who would later become known as the founder of Buddhism.
When the Buddha observed these practices, he joined those monks and was influenced by their way of life. As a result, he abandoned his palace and worldly luxuries, choosing the monastic life as his true path, and remained committed to it until the end of his life.
The Buddha continued traveling across different regions, spreading his teachings and the concept of monasticism among the people. He trained many disciples who, after his death, continued his path. Large temples and monasteries were built for monks, and in this way, a structured and organized monastic system gradually took shape and expanded within Buddhism.
It is said that asceticism and seclusion were among the foundational elements of early monastic life in Buddhism. Initially, this provided the basis for an individual form of monasticism, as seen in the life of the Buddha and his close companions. However, with the spread of temples and monasteries, this lifestyle gradually transformed into a communal monastic system. [5]
As the followers of Buddhism increased in India and other regions, Buddhist monks gradually established rules, codes, and systems governing monastic life. The Buddha himself did not define a fixed and formal structure for Buddhism in its present form during his lifetime; rather, this structure was developed after his death by the early monks and later generations.
Over time, they introduced many changes and additions based on their own judgments and perceived needs, as is often the case with many human systems and laws. [6]
Today, the class of Buddhist monks continues this system in a distinct and organized manner, wearing specific robes, shaving their heads, and residing in monasteries with stability and discipline.
To be continued…
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References:
- Positive (Man-Made) Religions, p. 239.
- Dam Hakim Amin, Studies in the History of Egyptian Monasticism and Monasteries, p. 1.
- Christian Monasticism and the Position of Islam Toward It, p. 12.
- Ibid., p. 12.
- Positive (Man-Made) Religions, p. 241.
- Ibid., p. 241.
