Author: Mehrullah Azizi
An Analysis of the History and Beliefs of Buddhism (part 32)
C: Characteristics of Monks in Buddhism
Buddhist monks possess unique characteristics and qualities that ordinary people do not have. These characteristics are considered among the most important requirements for monks, and they are obliged to observe them. Below, we mention these conditions and etiquettes:
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Wearing Yellow Robes
One of the most important signs and characteristics to which Buddhist monks are strongly committed is wearing yellow robes. [1] These clothes usually consist of two pieces of yellow cloth: one piece is wrapped around the waist like a lower garment, while the other is placed over the shoulder like a shawl, exactly resembling the clothing worn during the state of Ihram in Hajj.
Several patches are also sewn onto these garments as symbols of asceticism, poverty, and humility. Monks wear only these clothes throughout their monastic life. Buddhists greatly respect this attire and consider it a sacred symbol of their religion. In the past, these garments were made from old fabrics collected from garbage dumps or even from the shrouds of dead people. [2]
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Begging and Avoiding Work
Another characteristic of Buddhist monks is refraining from work and relying on begging from people to fulfill their daily needs. They regarded begging as the main means of obtaining food and necessities. Since this practice was common among the monks of ancient India, Buddha adopted this method and incorporated it into his monastic system. He strongly emphasized this practice for his followers, especially for those entering monastic life.
It is narrated that when Buddha visited his father, he also begged from people there and obtained his daily food in this manner. From the perspective of human nature and dignity, this habit is regarded as degrading and lowly because it seriously undermines self-respect and encourages laziness, weakness, and attachment to poverty.
Islam strongly opposes such a practice and firmly forbids its followers from laziness, idleness, and attachment to poverty. Instead, it teaches Muslims to preserve their dignity and self-respect, maintain an open and cheerful character, and earn their livelihood through work and effort. [3]
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Continuous and Perpetual Fasting
Another remarkable feature of Buddhist monks is that they usually eat only once a day, and that too at a specific appointed time before noon.
All monks are equal in observing this discipline, whether they are newcomers or elderly and experienced monks. It is said that monks living in forests and remote villages sometimes abstain from food to such an extent that if they feel close to death, they eat leaves from trees.
This appears to be one of the strictest forms of religious discipline among false religions that I have encountered, as none of the other false religions or religions that include monasticism among their essential beliefs adopt such a severe practice.
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Shaving the Head and Walking Barefoot
Monks shave all the hair from their heads and faces and usually walk barefoot. They follow this practice in imitation of Buddha, who often walked barefoot and considered it a virtuous act.
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Prolonged Silence
Many monks speak very little and only when necessary. In their view, silence is a praiseworthy quality and a sign of tranquility and a means of attaining respect and spiritual status. They believe silence is one of the lights of “Nirvana,” meaning happiness and liberation. [4]
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Avoiding Marriage
One of the important conditions of monasticism in Buddhism is that monks do not marry. They must avoid family life and worldly pleasures and discipline themselves through ascetic exercises and spiritual struggle. According to their belief, marriage is also considered one of the worldly pleasures that should be abandoned.
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Living in Monasteries and Obedience to the Senior Monk
Monks must live in monasteries and temples and obey their teacher or senior monk. They are not allowed to reside in ordinary people’s homes or spend the night there; rather, they must always live within the monasteries. [5]
To be continued…
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Sources:
- Ahmad Ali, Christian Monasticism and the position of Islam Toward It, p. 31.
- Al-Adyan al-Wa’d. 244.
- Al-Mujaz fi al-Adyan wa al-Madhahib al-Mu‘asirah p. 88.
- Al-Adyan al-Wad‘iyyah, p. 244.
- p. 244.
