Author: Mehrullah Azizi
An Analysis of the History and Beliefs of Buddhism (part 33)
D: Commitment of Buddhist Monks to Specific Rules and Disciplines
In Buddhism, there are certain rules and special disciplines that Buddhist monks are required to follow. Some of these teachings were established by Buddha himself, while others were later added to the religion by major followers and Buddhist leaders. These rules and systems are as follows:
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Acting Upon the Ten Instructions of Buddha
Buddhist monks are obliged to observe and practice the ten instructions of Buddha. These instructions are:
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Do not take anyone’s life (killing is forbidden);
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Do not lie;
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Do not commit adultery;
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Do not take unlawful property;
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Do not drink or use intoxicants;
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Do not eat food that is not properly cooked;
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Do not attend gatherings of singing and dancing;
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Do not adorn yourself or use perfume;
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Do not use soft and luxurious beds;
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Do not accept gold or silver from anyone. [1]
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Avoiding Marriage and Seclusion with Female Monastics
A monk must never marry or remain alone in seclusion with female monastics. He must avoid acting as a mediator between men and women or between husbands and wives. Likewise, he should completely avoid mixing with people’s family and economic affairs or interfering in their domestic matters.
There are also certain systems and etiquettes specifically related to novice and newly initiated monks. These include:
1. A monk should not allow thoughts of women or lust to enter his mind. If such thoughts arise, he must isolate himself strictly and remain completely unapproachable to people.
2. He must avoid owning or storing worldly wealth and should not engage in any profession or trade.
3. He should always choose solitude, seclusion, tranquility, and silence. He must strictly guard his speech and should not joke or engage in playful conversation with others.
4. Forgiveness and tolerance should become fundamental principles of his life. He should love strangers, completely avoid slander, mischief, and spying on others, and not create division or conflict among monks; rather, he should strive to maintain unity and harmony among them.
5. He should avoid places where people may become suspicious of him or accuse him falsely.
6. Travel is permitted for them only once a year, and even then only in deserts, forests, and places far removed from society.
7. One of their specific practices is that every morning they go out to beg. They believe this act is a sign and expression of love and compassion toward all living beings.
8. They also have special etiquette for begging, including:
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The beggar should only take what is given to him;
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While receiving something, he should not look at the giver but instead look into his begging bowl;
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He should not become greedy about receiving more.
9. Another important rule regarding eating is that they should not eat more than once a day. Furthermore, the purpose of eating should not be pleasure or gaining strength because, according to them, such things stimulate desires and passions, which ultimately prevent a person from attaining the state of nirvana.
10. Eating the meat of humans, elephants, snakes, dogs, lions, bears, tigers, and similar animals is forbidden for them. However, they may eat other types of meat and fish.
11. Their religion also advises them not to harm any living creature; rather, they should treat all beings with love and kindness.
12. Another important etiquette among them is that they never return the greetings of ordinary people in society; instead, ordinary people are expected to bow and greet them.
13. And so on…
To be continued…
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References:
1. Buddhism: Its Origin and Major Beliefs, p. 460, quoted from Al-‘Attar, Religions and Beliefs, p. 127; and Muhammad Abu Zahra, Ancient Religions, pp. 62–63.
