The Bhikkhus' Rules
A Guide for Laypeople
The Theravadin Buddhist Monk's Rules
Compiled and Explained
by
Bhikkhu Ariyesako
Copyright © Sanghaaloka Forest Hermitage 1998
PO Box 152, Kallista,Vic 3791, Australia
Please contact the above address for permission to reprint for free
distribution.
Reprinting for sale is prohibited.
This is a gift of Dhamma and must not be sold
Discipline is for the sake of restraint,
restraint for the sake of freedom from remorse,
freedom from remorse for the sake of joy,
joy for the sake of rapture,
rapture for the sake of tranquillity,
tranquillity for the sake of pleasure,
pleasure for the sake of concentration,
concentration for the sake of knowledge
and vision of things as they are,
knowledge and vision of things as they are
for the sake of disenchantment,
disenchantment for the sake of release,
release for the sake of knowledge and vision of release,
knowledge and vision of release
for the sake of total unbinding without clinging.
-- Parivaara.XII.2 (BMC p.1)
A note about this HTML edition: Pali words in
this book are represented phonetically using ASCII characters following
the
Velthuis scheme. To understand pronunciation, see
Appendix C. -- jtb
Buddhist friends in Malaysia asked me to explain
something about the Vinaya[1] rules that
guide the Buddhist monk's life -- in particular about monks or bhikkhus[2]
of the Theravaada lineage. We monks already have several learned
texts in English to help us so a simplified 'lay person's guide' now seems
in order. (This work therefore deals specifically with men. As Buddhist
female renuciants (nuns) find their place, they will be in the best
position to explain their own rules.)
My aim has been to illustrate those of the monk's rules
that also affect the lay person in some way.[3]
At first it was going to deal only with a few questions but it has grown
with people's suggestions into a more thorough work of reference. (It was
originally circulated as a computer printout, and its positive reception
encouraged this complete reworking and revision, incorporating many of the
suggestions sent to me.) Even so, the best introduction remains a good
practicing bhikkhu who shows that amid the myriad things of the material
world, living the simple life is possible with care -- hence the many
rules -- much as in the Buddha's time.
The original Beginner's Questions section has
been kept (with some revision) and moved to the front as a brief overview
of the sort of questions covered in the book. It refers to later
explanations for more detail, which can be found not only in the main text
but in the End Notes, Footnotes, Glossary and Appendices.
I also have tried to include broader explanations in
the main text so that while the actual rule is faithfully reproduced --
including some translation variations -- the different ways in which monks
actually put it into practice are also covered. Although one might think
one knows all about 'one's bhikkhus', on going elsewhere things are never
quite the same, and sometimes in quite startling ways.
Bhikkhus do sometimes follow the rules in different
ways according to their particular traditions, and these pages may help to
explain the whys and wherefores of their practice. My own perspective
comes from twenty years as a bhikkhu in the forest monasteries of Thailand
(and now more than five years in the 'West') so I am very aware that this
guide needs more information from the traditions in other countries.
As you read through this book, it will become plain how
much I have relied on other people and authorities. I wish especially to
mention my gratitude to Venerable Thanissaro Bhikkhu for his great
contribution through his commentary on the bhikkhus' rules, The
Buddhist Monastic Code; to Venerable Thiradhammo Bhikkhu for his
manuscript of The Heritage of the Sangha; to Venerable Brahmavangso
Bhikkhu for permission to quote from his Vinaya Notes; and to the
Mahamakut Foundation in Bangkok for the works on the monk's rules that
they publish.
Lay people in half a dozen countries helped with advice
and suggestions, and my thanks and appreciation go to all of them. I was
very pleasantly surprised that they found our rules so fascinating and
were willing to give so much of their time to going through the original
manuscript with such care and interest. Yet on reflection, they are right
to feel part of the Dhamma-Vinaya, as the Lord Buddha said:
"Bhikkhus, I praise right practice in both,
whether householder or home-leaver.
"Householder, bhikkhus, and home-leaver, if
rightly practiced, by reason of their right practice, are accomplishing
the true way, the wholesome Dhamma."
HS ch.4 (A.I,69; M.II,197)
Please remember that tolerance is always important even
if one decides to give active support to only one group of monks. The
following pages are offered solely to shed the light of understanding, so
they should not be used to create heat and friction through criticizing
other people's behavior. This is the essence of the Buddha's Teaching. A
big heavy law book only too easily can be thrown at others, so this guide
will try to stay light and non-judgemental. This gives opportunity for
broad-mindedness and flexibility, so that we can include different
interpretations. Thereby one may come better to appreciate and support the
monastic community of one's choice.
Finally, I hope that the same tolerance will be given
to any faults and omissions found in this book. Not being enlightened or a
scholar, I can only offer a gathering of other people's work and hope that
the way I have put it all together does not intrude my own views and
opinions too much. (Paragraphs containing more general or personal
opinions are often marked with "º".) Therefore, any suggestions for
improvement offered in Dhamma are always welcome.
Bhikkhu Ariyesako
August 1998
-
A Lay Buddhist's Guide to the Monks' Code of
Conduct. © Bodhinyana Monastery, Lot 1, Kingsbury Drive, Serpentine,
Western Australia 6205, Australia.
-
(1) Buddhist Monastic Code; (2)
Introduction to the Patimokkha Rules. © Thanissaro Bhikkhu, Metta
Forest Monastery, PO Box 1409, Valley Center, CA 92082, USA.
-
Bodhinyanarama's Advice for Guests. ©
Bodhinyanarama Buddhist Monastery, 17 Rakau Grove, Stokes Valley,
Wellington, New Zealand.
-
(1) The Entrance to the Vinaya, Vinayamukha, 3
vols; (2) Navakovaada: Instructions for Newly ordained Bhikkhus
and Saamaneras; (3) Ordination Procedure and the Preliminary
duties of a New Bhikkhu; (4) The Patimokkha, trans. by Ven.
Nyanamoli Thera -- All © Mahamakut Rajavidyalaya Press, Phra Sumeru
Road, Bangkok 1020, Thailand.
-
The Heritage of the Sangha, The lifestyle and
training of the Buddhist religious community. (Newly revised
Edition), Thiradhammo Bhikkhu, December 1996
-
Observances, © Wat Pah Nanachat, Ban Bung Wai,
Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand.
-
See Bibliography for other
details.
-
Drawing of vandanaa
bowing by Melanie Marshall.
AB = Ajahn Brahmavamso's Notes
BA = Banner of the Arahants
BBC = Burmese Buddhist Culture
BMC =
The Buddhist Monastic Code, Volume I
EN = End Notes
EV = The Entrance to the Vinaya, (Vinayamukha) in 3 vols
HS = The Heritage of the Sangha
Nv = Navakovaada: Instructions for newly ordained Bhikkhus and
Saamaneras
Nis. Paac. = nisaggiya paacittiya offence
OP = Ordination Procedure
Paac. = paacittiya offence
Paar. = paaraajika offence
Paat. = Paa.timokkha text and English translation (1966 or
1969 edition)
Sa"ngh. = sa"nghaadisesa offence
The Teaching of the Buddha is concerned with more than
intellectual knowledge for it needs to be experienced as truth in one's
own life. The Buddha often called his Teaching the Dhamma-Vinaya and when
he passed away he left these as the guide for all of us who followed. As
Venerable Thiradhammo writes:
"In simple terms we could say that while Dhamma
represented the principles of Truth, the Vinaya represented the most
efficacious lifestyle for the realization of that Truth. Or, the Vinaya
was that way of life which enshrined the principles of Truth in the
practicalities of living within the world." (HS Part 2)
For the bhikkhu, the Vinaya helps to highlight actions
and speech, and show up their significance. It brings an awareness of how
he is intervening in the world, how he is affecting other people. For
better? For worse? With what intention?
Of course, such an awareness is necessary for every
human being, not just Buddhist monks. This is why the Buddha bequeathed to
us the Five, the Eight and the Ten Precepts[4]
-- as well as the bhikkhu's 227 rules of the Paatimokkha. These precepts
and rules remain as pertinent today as they were 2,500 years ago for they
restore the focus back to the human being, to how actions and words affect
individuals and the world. While the particulars may have changed, the
fundamentals remain the same.
Those who take the Buddha's Teaching seriously become
ever more aware of their actions and speech, and how they match up against
the Five Precepts. They then might start to realize the advantage in
occasionally keeping the Eight Precepts -- perhaps on the weekly
Observance Day[5] -- and become more interested
in the bhikkhu's Rule and how its precepts come together into a whole way
of life.
This compilation, therefore, is for anyone interested
in bhikkhus and how to relate to them. Some might think that the
Theravaada lineage follows an overly traditionalist[6]
approach but then, it does happen to be the oldest living major
tradition.[7] A slight caution therefore for
anyone completely new to the ways of monasticism, for it is an approach to
dealing with life that may appear radically different for this modern day
and age. The best introduction, perhaps essential for a true
understanding, is meeting with a practicing bhikkhu who should manifest
and reflect the peaceful and joyous qualities of the bhikkhu's way of
life.
Buddhist monks and nuns first received the going-forth
into the Holy Life from the Buddha himself, more than two and a half
thousand years ago in India. Since then, their influence has been felt
over much of Asia. The countries of Sri Lanka and South East Asia have
been profoundly affected by the Theravadin School of Buddhism, which looks
back to the original Teachings as recorded in the Paali[8]
scriptures. Buddhism was often first introduced to a new country when
bhikkhus were invited to come and teach the new religion by the indigenous
ruler. This process now continues throughout the world, although the
invitation nowadays comes more often from local Buddhists.
Buddhism is justly admired for its appreciation of
tolerance and broad-mindedness, with a history generally unblemished by
heretical infighting. This has resulted in a wide spectrum of practices,
from the old Theravaada to the Zen of Japan and the Vajrayana of Tibet.
Even between the different Theravadin countries and Schools there are
slight variations in the ways the bhikkhus understand and practice the
Vinaya Rule. Such differences have sometimes confused lay devotees so this
book is also an attempt to offer a clearer understanding about the
responsibilities of the Theravadin bhikkhu's life and those of the lay
devotee.
When the Buddha was about to finally pass away and
leave his followers, rather than appoint an individual to take his place
he said this:
"Whatever Dhamma and Vinaya I have pointed out and
formulated for you, that will be your Teacher when I am
gone"(Mahaaparinibbaana Sutta, [D.16])
More than twenty-five centuries have now gone by;
empires have come and gone, great movements and ideologies have flared up
and been lost. Yet on a deeper level under all of this, the Dhamma and
Vinaya have been quietly guiding the communities of Buddhist monks. Why
has it withstood the test of time so well? Why has it been so successful?
Perhaps it is because the Lord Buddha understood the basic human condition
of every time or place; he knew our predicament and failings, and he could
show the way out to those of us who follow so long after him.
-- I. A.
º This section illustrates the origins of this
book, for it is a selection of the unedited questions that were first sent
to me. I have decided to make it an entry-point for those people
completely new to the Vinaya Rule rather than relegate it to an appendix
(or omit it altogether). The answers often repeat or point to information
contained later in the full text. Those people already familiar with the
rules can skip these Beginner's and Frequently Asked Questions and go to
the relevant section for more details.
Q 1: "Why does a monk wear the
robe? Why do some wear brown robes and others wear yellowish brown?"
A: The Lord Buddha gave this reflection about
why a monk wears a robe:
"Properly considering the robe, I use it: simply
to ward off cold, to ward off heat, to ward off the touch of flies,
mosquitoes, simply for the purpose of covering the parts of the body
which cause shame." (OP p.46)
In the Lord Buddha's time, 2,500 years ago, clothing[9]
was made without complex machinery. (Although simple 'sewing-frames' are
mentioned in the texts, which the monks would have used at robe-making
(Ka.thina) time.) So the pattern of the robe is very simple and
designed so that it can be made up out of patches of cloth, for discarded
rags were often used after washing and dyeing.
This 'yellow robe' is considered the banner of the
arahant and emblem of Buddhism. For the ordinary Theravaadin bhikkhu
it is a privilege to be able to wear this robe, continuing the tradition
and practicing to be worthy of it. There are rules as to the robes' size,
color, how they are sewn, type of cloth used, etc., and how bhikkhus can
acquire them. (See The Robe.)
The color of the robes depends on the dye used. Until
very recently, this would have been natural vegetable dye found in the
jungle from roots or trees. (In NE Thailand, for example, we used the
heartwood of the jack-fruit tree.) Nowadays chemical dyes are more used
and sometimes give that more vivid orange color that one sees in Bangkok.
The color white is used by Buddhist devotees to show
their commitment to keeping the Precepts -- usually the Eight Precepts --
on Observance Days. (White robes are also worn by the anagarika, or
postulant before he becomes a monk.)
Q 2: "Why do monks eat from the
bowl? Can lay people serve soup to monks in normal bowls? Can they serve
fruits or desserts on plates instead of putting them in the monk's bowl?"
A: The Lord Buddha gave this reflection about
finding and eating food:
"Properly considering alms food, I use it: not
playfully, nor for intoxication, nor for putting on weight, nor for
beautification; but simply for the survival and continuance of this
body, for ending its afflictions, for the support of the chaste life,
(thinking) I will destroy old feelings (of hunger) and not create new
feelings (from overeating). Thus I will maintain myself, be blameless,
and live in comfort." (OP p.46)
The alms bowl is another practical symbol of Buddhism,
and, like the robes, another requisite of the bhikkhu. Although every
bhikkhu is given an alms bowl (and a set of robes) when he becomes a monk,
not all of them will actually go on an alms round and only a minority --
usually they are the forest meditation bhikkhus -- will eat from their
bowl sitting on the floor. Therefore many monks will eat using plates and
dishes, while some will eat sitting on the floor at a small table and
others at a normal western-style table. One should not feel shy about
asking a monk as to his normal way of eating and then fit in with that.
Those forest bhikkhus who keep the austere practices
(dhuta"nga or tudong) [10] will be
stricter about only using one eating vessel. This can simplify life and
remind the bhikkhu that although food is necessary for bodily health he
does not have to indulge in an obsession with taste. (It also saves
washing-up time.)
Q 3: "Why do monks live in the
forest?"
A: In India during the Lord Buddha's time much
of the land was covered in forests and groves and this was where the
wandering mendicants of the different orders would pursue their religious
practices. The Lord Buddha spoke of the 'foot of a tree' as the basic
shelter for bhikkhus, and this is usually still affirmed to every newly
ordained bhikkhu. Later, monasteries were established and well-endowed,
and the focus shifted to a more settled life. Mostly only the 'forest
monks' now live in the forest where it is quiet and conducive to
meditation. Many more monks will live in the village monastery or go to a
monastery in the town to study the scriptures.
The Lord Buddha said this about the basics of shelter,
whether in the forest or city:
"Properly considering the lodging, I use it:
simply to ward off cold, to ward off heat, to ward off the touch of
flies, mosquitoes, wind, sun and reptiles; simply for protection from
the inclemencies of weather and for the enjoyment of seclusion." (OP
p.46)
Q 4: "How does one who wants to
become a monk find out how to go about getting the robe and bowl, etc.?"
Q 5: "What is the procedure for a lay man to
ordain?"
Q 6: "How does one who wants to sponsor any newly
ordained monk/nun with the necessities go about doing so?"
Q 7: "How does a teacher assess and decide if one
is suitable for ordination?"
A: In fact getting the robes and bowl is not so
much a problem for once the candidate is accepted by a preceptor, the
preceptor will know where suitable requisites may be found. The question
should be more about the qualities necessary to become a monk and I have
explained some of these in the section on Becoming a
Bhikkhu.
If the candidate's intention is right and he is not
disqualified by other factors, he should find a senior monk who can advise
him on the places where he might ordain and perhaps recommend him to a
preceptor. If the candidate lives in a non-Buddhist country, he can write
for details to the country where he is interested in staying. Bhikkhus are
often traveling and giving Dhamma talks around the world and they would
generally be very happy to make suggestions about this.
In certain communities there is a 'postulancy' period
when the candidate first wears white robes as an anagarika[11]
and after a year (or two) may then be given either novice (saama."nera)
or full bhikkhu ordination. Once he is accepted for this, all the
requisites should be provided. (In some monasteries the candidate is
provided with the cloth but has to learn to sew his own robes.)
Similarly for the lay person wanting to help supply
requisites to the new monk, the best way is to ask details from a senior
monk who will explain and help. In some Buddhist countries there are even
special shops to supply these requisites but whether this is suitable will
depend on the monastery of ordination.
Also, see the book Ordination Procedure and the
Preliminary Duties of a New Bhikkhu.
Q 8: "How does a lay woman
ordain? Does she become ordained only by bhikkhunii?"
A: The Theravadin lineage no longer has an
'officially recognized' bhikkhunii-ordination. There are other
forms for lay women that still involve 'leaving the home life' and keeping
Eight or Ten Precepts as a dasasiila mata nun. Finding a suitable
place is quite difficult but several groups are trying to develop places
conducive to Dhamma practice for such nuns. (For example, Amaravati
Buddhist Monastery in England. (See also Buddhist Nuns.)
Q 9: "Instead of letting the
monks go on alms-round during rainy days, can the lay people request to
bring daana [the food offering] to the monks?"
A: Some bhikkhus take a daily alms-round as a
special practice (dhuta"nga or tudong) and will normally
always want to go. Many other monks will be happy to receive food brought
to them. Please ask or observe how the monk practices. There is no harm in
offering to bring the food, for if the monk prefers to walk on an
alms-round he can explain about that.
Q 10: "Is there a minimum and
maximum number of layers [of clothing] a monk can wear? Does the rule
alter with the weather?"
A: There is a minimum in that the bhikkhu must
be properly and modestly dressed, especially in public. (See
Socializing and Wrong Resort and End Notes
70 and 71.) During the cold season
in India, the Buddha allowed a double-layered outer robe (sa"nghaati)
to be used and so -- using the Great Standards[12]
as a guide -- in even colder climates extra layers may be allowable. In
countries where hypothermia may be a danger, the use of extra layers seems
sensible -- especially if this cuts down on heating and medical expenses.
(That a bhikkhu lives as frugally as possible is a major aspect of the
Vinaya.) However, it is generally felt very important that the
traditional robes remain the basic dress and 'extra layers' should not
obscure this.
Q 11: "Is it [acceptable] that
the ordained one requests some basic necessities such as food, drink,
medicine, shelter, blankets, reasonable form of transport due to weakness
(health reason)? How should one approach a monk or nun if one wants to
offer necessities to them?"
A: There are definite conditions that allow a
bhikkhu to ask for help. These would be when he is ill, or in danger, or
when he has been formally offered help. See How
to Help a Bhikkhu -- Invitation for a fuller explanation.
Q 12: "Is it [acceptable] for
one to offer basic necessities to monks or nuns without first asking
them?"
A: Yes, generosity is a virtue highly praised by
the Buddha and was often the first virtue he mentioned. It goes against
the general modern selfish attitude of 'getting is better than giving' and
leads on to contentment and the calm that can lead to deep meditation and
wisdom. So, if it makes one happy to make an offering then one can do so
without asking first. However, the offering should also be endowed with
wisdom so that one gives something that is useful and not beyond one's
family's means.
Q 13: "Why do we bow to
monks/nuns and the Buddha Statue?"
A: The yellow robe worn by monks is an emblem
and reminder of the Triple Gem, as is the Buddha Statue. Therefore one is
really bowing to the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha, not to some person or
statue. There are two aspects to bowing -- the bodily action and the mind.
If one bows because it gives one the opportunity to demonstrate one's
faith in the Triple Gem, because it seems the right thing to do, and
because it leads the mind to calm, then it will be beneficial. If one bows
without reason or because one feels that one must do so for appearances
sake, then it is a rather empty gesture. (Even so one's appreciation can
grow.)
When I bow three times to the Buddha Statue or to
senior monks, I mentally recollect 'Buddho', then 'Dhammo'
and then 'Sa"ngho' and also have mindfulness of the bodily posture
as it bends forward and the head touches the floor. (See
Etiquette and End Note 120)
However, in Western countries this is often misunderstood and can be the
source of quite a lot of embarrassment. It is up to the persons themselves
to decide what is appropriate under the different circumstances.
Q 14: "Is it [acceptable] to
put two hands together [in añjalii] when paying respect to
monks/nuns and Buddha Statue, or should one bow to show more respect?"
A: One should show respect from one's heart in
the way that seems best to oneself, recollecting the Triple Gem and doing
it mindfully. No good monk (or Buddha statue) is going to take offence if
one does not bow.
Q 15: "Why do monks shave
their heads?"
A: When the prince who was to become the Buddha
left his palace to seek a way beyond aging, sickness and death, it is said
that one of the first things that he did was to "shave off his hair and
beard and put on the yellow cloth". Buddhist monks always completely shave
their head and beard, showing their commitment to the Holy Life
(Brahmacariya) of one gone forth into the homeless life. (In India
some ascetics tear out their hair, while others never touch it so that it
becomes a tangled mass.)
A rule states that a bhikkhu should not allow his hair
to grow beyond a certain length or time, so he will shave usually at least
once a fortnight or month, sometimes more frequently. To do this he uses
his razor, which is also one of his requisites.
'Hair-of-the-head' (kesaa) is one of the five
parts of the body mentioned in the ordination ceremony and is used to
recollect the true nature of the body. The bhikkhu is also not allowed to
dye or pluck out any gray hairs, for they are useful reminders of old-age
and impermanence. (Just consider how much time and money is wasted by
people trying to make their hair remain beautiful and young-looking.)
FAQ 1: "When a bhikkhu is
sick and especially so in emergency cases, is he allowed to be attended to
by female medical staff; e.g., female nurse, woman doctor, especially if
the woman doctor is the only doctor/surgeon on duty? How does the Vinaya
allow for this?"
FAQ 2: "It has been observed
that in the Burmese, Sri Lankan, Tibetan and Mahayana traditions, women
are allowed to make an offering directly to the monks. Yet Thai Buddhist
monks are not allowed to accept offerings directly from women. Is it
because it is against the Vinaya rules or a different interpretation of
the rules?"
A 1&2: The Vinaya Rule specifies that if a
bhikkhu touches or is touched by a woman, it is an offence -- a very
serious offence -- only if the bhikkhu is "overcome by lust, with altered
mind". However, the practicing bhikkhu knows that as his mind changes so
quickly, he has to be extremely cautious about involving himself in
doubtful situations. It is better to be safe than sorry, even if this may
seem over-scrupulous. In emergency situations the bhikkhu will have to
decide for himself and be sure to take care of his thoughts.
In Thailand it is a tradition (not strictly a rule)
that the monk uses a 'receiving cloth' to emphasize that there is no
touching. (For more about these questions, see
Intimacy -- Touching, How to make an
Offering, and End Note 85.)
FAQ 3: "What is the rule if
an eight-precepter unintentionally comes into [direct physical] contact
with another lay person or eight-precepter or ten-precepter or monk or nun
of opposite gender?"
A: As with the preceding cases with bhikkhus,
there is no fault if there is no wrong intention.
FAQ 4: "It is mentioned in
the Vinaya rules that a monk is not allowed to reside under the same roof
with a woman. How does that apply to multistoried (condominiums, flats,
apartments) and multi-compartment buildings (terrace houses), where the
flats, terrace houses, share one roof?"
A: This has become a complex question with
various interpretations because of modern conditions. The spirit of the
rule is very important -- avoiding possibilities of intimacy -- while the
interpretation will depend on the monk and the circumstances. In countries
without proper monasteries there will always have to be something of a
compromise. (See Staying Together for a
discussion of this.)
FAQ 5: "The Vinaya rules
disallow monks from touching or handling money. As such, in Buddhist
countries monks must have a Kappiya [attendant] to handle money for
them. However, if a monk has to travel and does not have a Kappiya,
under such circumstances do the Vinaya rules allow him to handle money
personally? This is a problem especially in non-Buddhist countries."
A: While it may be a problem or inconvenience,
the rules are there to protect and remind the monk about dangerous,
unskillful actions. If the monk becomes increasingly involved with money
there is a tendency for the whole of his bhikkhu-life to be compromised --
and that would be a far greater problem. Soon after the Final
Passing Away of the Lord Buddha this sort of question had already become a
major controversy and it is now even more complex under modern conditions.
However, modern conditions also have brought their own
assistance to keeping these rules. For instance, a bhikkhu can be given an
air ticket and travel around the world (if need be) without having any
money or attendant. He will need to be met at the airport and helped in
the normal way, but that should be natural if he has been invited to come
by the lay group. (He should not really be traveling otherwise.) And, of
course, a monk can use postage stamps and 'telephone-cards' that add
convenience to communicating -- when it is appropriate. (See the section
on Money, especially the
Me.n.daka Allowance.)
FAQ 6: "Is there a Vinaya
rule that states that once a person becomes a monk, he is not allowed to
disrobe? If he is allowed to disrobe, is there anywhere in the Vinaya that
sets the maximum number of times he is allowed to do so. If so, under what
circumstances is he allowed to disrobe?"
A: I know of no place in the Vinaya that states
a bhikkhu cannot disrobe. If he no longer has any interest in the
bhikkhu-life, the tendency will be for him to become lax and a bad example
for others. His Dhamma friends therefore will try to re-fire his
enthusiasm. However, if that is not possible, becoming a good layman may
be better than being a bad monk. (Nevertheless, in some countries there is
a cultural expectation of 'ordaining for life' and a corresponding stigma
attached to disrobing.) There is a tradition (but not a rule) about a
bhikkhu not re-ordaining more than seven times. (See
Disrobing.)
FAQ 7: "The Vinaya states
that monks are not supposed to eat once the sun has passed its zenith.
Still, what happens if they are in countries such as regions of the North
or South Poles, e.g., Norway, Alaska, where the sun never sets for six
months and for the next six months, there is no sun."
A: I understand that the zenith here means when
the sun reaches the highest point in its arc across the sky. In most
habitable areas of the globe this arc may be low to the horizon but it
should still be possible to follow the rule. And if bhikkhus ever reach
the polar regions[13] they will have the
Great Standards to guide them. (More
specifically, see Meal Time for time
limits.)
FAQ 8: "It is stated in the
Vinaya that when a lay person offers fruit to a monk, he has to make a cut
on one of the fruits to make it permissible for the monk to accept. How
did this rule originate? Also, lay people, when offering fruit juices to
monks after midday, are not allowed to offer fruit juices from fruits
larger than the size of a fist. Is this in the Vinaya and why is it so?"
A: At the time of the Buddha, some lay people
complained that the monks destroyed the 'life' in seeds. Therefore lay
people can be asked by the monk if it is allowable for him to eat those
fruits. In some monasteries (not all) this is done by the lay people
cutting them. (See Offering Fruit: Kappiya
and End Note 91.)
It is the Commentary to the Vinaya that mentions about
'great fruits'. This practice, however, is not followed in every
monastery. (See Fruit Juices.)
FAQ 9: "In Thailand, it has
been observed that Thai Buddhist monks are allowed to drink tea, cocoa,
coffee (but without milk) after midday. But in some other Buddhist
countries like Burma, monks are not allowed to do this. Is this part of
the Vinaya rules or is this just tradition, custom, or local practice? If
it is in the Vinaya, how do you explain the differences in
interpretation?"
A: The fourth of the Recollections of the
Bhikkhu's Requisites is:
"Properly considering medicinal requisites for
curing the sick, I use them: simply to ward off any pains of illness
that have arisen, and for the maximum freedom from disease." (OP p.47)
There is an allowance in the Paali texts that
'medicinal-tonics' can be taken in the afternoon while
'lifetime-medicines' may be consumed any time they are needed. (See
Lifetime Medicines.)
There are different interpretations and practices about
how ill a bhikkhu has to be for it to be allowable to take such
'medicines'. Some bhikkhus will not take anything other than pure water,
while some will over-stretch the Rule to even drinking 'medicinal'
food-drinks (e.g., Ovaltine) in the afternoon. Some bhikkhus will consider
tea-leaves allowable (as 'herbs') while some will see it as food or as a
'stimulant' (caffeine) and therefore not appropriate. Also, the ordinary
rural villagers of South East Asia (until very recently) would have had no
tea or coffee to drink, so such items could be considered quite a luxury.
It will depend on local conditions and interpretations, which are allowed
for in the Vinaya through the Great Standards. (See
also Lifetime Medicines.)
FAQ 10: "Can a monk retain
property that he had as a lay person? Also, can a monk receive property
that has been passed to him as inheritance? Is a monk also allowed to
accept property donated to him by lay devotees and which has been
transferred to his name? What is the Vinaya's stance on this? Does the
Vinaya also allow for monks to sell/transact property that has been
donated to them in order to buy, for instance, another piece of land in an
area that is more suitable for spiritual activities?"
A: This is a complicated question. If there is a
steward who does the arranging for the bhikkhu in the proper manner then
certain things would be allowable. (See What
does a Bhikkhu Possess.) However, there are very strict guidelines
about this. (Please see the various rules about
Bhikkhus and Wealth.)
Practically speaking, bhikkhus in Thailand are not
ordered to renounce all their property, etc., when they receive
ordination. (As mentioned elsewhere, the majority of bhikkhus in Thailand
will return to lay life within a certain period.) Bhikkhus who are serious
about dedicating their life to the Holy Life will obviously take the Lord
Buddha as their example and like Him renounce all that is worldly.
There are specific rules, not covered in this work,
about Community land and property, and the different ways they are
managed. (However, see also Wrongly Received Gifts.)
FAQ 11: "Does the Vinaya
state that monks cannot take nuns and lay people as their teachers? If
this is so, what is the reason for this?"
A: The taking of a Teacher (aacariya) by
a bhikkhu and living in dependence (nissaya) on him can only be
between bhikkhus. (See Becoming a Bhikkhu;
End Note 24 on the qualities of a Teacher.) And even
according to the bhikkhunii's own Rule, in the time of the Lord Buddha,
she was not allowed to teach bhikkhus. However, this does not mean that a
bhikkhu cannot learn from others.
FAQ 12: "Are monks allowed
to own and/or drive vehicles? Is this allowed by the Vinaya? If it does
not go against the Vinaya, would it still be socially acceptable, given
the monk's spiritual status in society?"
A: There is a specific rule against bhikkhus
owning vehicles. Obviously, 'motor vehicles' were not available in the
Buddha's time and most travel would have been on foot. However, there was
the case:
"...when the group-of-six bhikkhus went in a
vehicle yoked with cows and bulls, they were criticized by the lay
people. The Buddha then established a fault of Wrong-doing for a bhikkhu
to travel in a vehicle; later illness was exempted from this
guideline...
"Traveling in a vehicle in the Buddha's time was
an extravagance. A strict application of this training in Thailand is
not allowing bhikkhus to drive or own vehicles, and (officially) not to
ride on motorcycles." (HS ch.17)
Bhikkhus were allowed to use ferry boats, etc. (In
Thailand, bhikkhus from riverside monasteries will go on alms round by
boat.)
FAQ 13: "Does the Vinaya
permit monks to practice herbal, traditional or ayurvedic medicine?"
A: In Thailand, I understand that one cannot be
officially registered as a herbal doctor while still a bhikkhu. While
providing medicines for one's fellow monks is very much allowable, it is
definitely wrong that a monk dispenses medicine for reward. (See
Wrong Livelihood and End Note
115.)
FAQ 14: "When a monk commits
a paaraajika offence, do the lay people have the right to ask him
to disrobe? What is the usual procedure as stated in the Vinaya? What
happens when a monk has been proven to have committed a paaraajika
offence, yet refuses to disrobe in spite of demands from lay devotees and
there is no Sangha Council to enforce the demands, as is the case in
non-Buddhist countries? Under such circumstances, what do the lay people
do?"
A: If a bhikkhu commits a paaraajika
offence he is 'defeated' and no longer a bhikkhu even if he is wearing
robes. The Community of bhikkhus will have nothing to do with him and will
expel him. (See Disrobing and End Note
31.) However, if the accused 'bhikkhu' does not admit
to the offence and it cannot be proved, the results of kamma must be
allowed to run their own course. Buddhism has never engaged in violent
witch hunts. (See Strictness and Blaming Others.)
And for how lay people dealt with stubborn monks in the Buddha's time, see
Disputes.
FAQ 15: "What questions
should one ask a monk when offerings of requisites are made; and to what
extent is a monk limited (and why) when making his reply; and when is it
all right to ask details of preferences and specifications; and how to
find out what is appropriate if the robed person finds it difficult or is
unable to mention what is required?"
A: Generally, the right-practicing bhikkhu will
be a person of few wants for he is trying to go to the ending of all
desire. However, there may be certain things he may need but may not
mention until he is sure that the donors are completely sincere in their
invitation. If the donor makes specific suggestions, the bhikkhu may
refuse, he may accept, or he may remain silent -- and such silence may
very well be a positive response (as it was in the Lord Buddha's time).
Therefore, as the donor gets to know the bhikkhu he or she will become
more sensitive about what is needed and what is appropriate -- and be able
to interpret any 'silence' in the right way. (See the section on
Invitation and Beginner's
Question 12 above.)
The awakened mind has gone beyond greed, hatred and
delusion. Yet for those of us who are still striving towards this end such
unskillful tendencies have to be addressed. We need guidelines to help us
become more aware of our actions and speech, so that we do not go off the
Buddha's Middle Way. For a start there are the Five Precepts, then the
Eight and the Ten Precepts,[4] and then the
227 Paa.timokkha Rules of the bhikkhu.
The Five Precepts are basic human ethical standards --
answering the fundamental questions of 'what do I do, what should I say?'
These standards are further refined by the Eight Precepts, which allow the
lay person to live a life closer to that of the monk -- even if
temporarily.[14] This may then lead to the
Ten Precepts of a novice (saama.nera) or of a dasasiila mata
nun.
The Vinaya and Paa.timokkha rules were set down
by the Buddha in response to specific incidents that occurred either
within the Community of bhikkhus or through their interaction with the lay
community. An explanation of the original circumstances that led to the
formulation of a rule is usually included in the scriptural text as an
introduction to that rule. The emphasis therefore is always on Dhamma
practice with the Precepts or Vinaya as a vital guide and support.
When a bhikkhu takes up the training rules, he might
find that past habits and tendencies still cause problems -- especially in
a non-supportive environment. Of course, staying within a suitable
environment will simplify this, which is a major reason for some rules.
Therefore it is important to remember that the bhikkhu never practices in
isolation and always needs the support and understanding of lay Buddhists.
There is the need for mutual support and encouragement between the lay and
bhikkhu communities. Knowing something of the rules should enable the lay
person to appreciate this.
Buddhism has been said[15]
to be 'deeply rooted in a country when a local young man can become a
bhikkhu, learn and then recite the Paa.timokkha Rule in his own
country'. This originally referred to Sri Lanka thousands of years ago but
now that Buddhism is moving to the West such conditions are starting to
appear there, too.
The Bhikkhu Sa"ngha or Community of monks is
probably the oldest of any of the institutions that have remained faithful
to their origins and spread world-wide.[7]
While scholars like to track its historical development from country to
country, we could also start with a particular bhikkhu and trace the
thread back through preceptor after preceptor to the Buddha Himself. Its
many remarkable features enable men from different classes, backgrounds
and cultures to live together in harmony and fellowship. Most important,
it offers ideal conditions for the individual to train and meditate, to
awaken to Dhamma, which is the whole point of the Buddha's Teaching.
The first part[16] of the
ordination[17] procedure for bhikkhus is
known as the Going Forth into Homelessness (pabbajjaa). If
it finishes with just that -- without going on to the Questioning
of the candidate and the Acceptance of him by all the gathered
bhikkhus into the Bhikkhu Sa"ngha -- the candidate is known as a
saama.nera or novice. This is usually the case when the candidate is
less than the twenty years of age necessary to become a bhikkhu. A very
young boy is not allowed to become a novice either, but the minimum age
will vary according to place.[18]
A saama.nera wears the 'yellow robe' like a full
bhikkhu -- except he does not have the sa"nghaa.ti
(double-thickness robe) -- and leads a very similar life. In some places a
period as a novice forms part of the preliminary training to become a
bhikkhu, while some men decide to remain saama.nera for various
reasons. The saama.nera keeps the Ten Precepts and the 75 Training
Rules (sekhiya) and some other rules of the bhikkhu. Later, when he
is ready and if he is old enough, he can ask the bhikkhu community for
full ordination (upasampadaa).
In the Pali texts, when a man decided to become a
bhikkhu, he is often quoted as saying:
"Confined is the household life, a path of dust;
the going forth is open and spacious. Not easy is it living in a house
to lead the religious life absolutely fulfilled and purified, as
polished as mother-of-pearl. Suppose I were to shave off my hair and
beard, clothe myself in ochre robes and go forth from homelife into
homelessness?" (HS ch.19)
However, anyone wishing to become a bhikkhu must
fulfill certain conditions about which he will be questioned during the
actual ordination procedure. The candidate must be male and at least
twenty years old. He must never have committed any grievous crimes and, if
previously ordained, he must not have been guilty of any Defeater
(Paaraajika) offences or have entered some other religion without
disrobing first. (See BMC pp.88-89) He should also be of good
reputation; fit and healthy enough to carry out the duties of a bhikkhu;
not in debt; not subject to government service; and have permission from
parents or guardian.
The Ordination ceremony requires a prescribed boundary
(siima), a preceptor (upajjhaaya) and a quorum of bhikkhus
to validate the formal Sangha Act. In the formal procedure the candidate
is examined as to the necessary qualities[19]
and, if all the bhikkhus are satisfied, they receive him into the Sangha,
the Community of Bhikkhus.
It is in this way that yet another link is added to the
bhikkhu-lineage. Henceforth, the new bhikkhu can participate (and make up
the necessary quorum) in future assemblies and help receive other new
bhikkhus -- as bhikkhus have continued to do for two and a half thousand
years. (See EV,I,p.4; OP)
When a candidate requests full admission to the
Community[20] (after the saama.nera
ordination) he does not make any 'lifetime vows' but offers himself for
training and instruction under his Preceptor's guidance. At the end of the
ordination ceremony, the Preceptor will immediately instruct the new
bhikkhu (or arrange that he is properly taught) about the Paa.timokkha
Rule and the other principles that all bhikkhus should follow and
observe.[21]
For the first five years a bhikkhu is called navaka
('new one') and he must live 'dependent' (nissaya) on a senior
bhikkhu -- either his preceptor or teacher (aacariya) -- training
in the ways of a bhikkhu. The preceptor and the new monk should be kind
and helpful to each other, in almost a father-and-son relationship. A new
bhikkhu who no longer lives under his preceptor must take another senior
bhikkhu as his teacher and depend on him instead.[22]
For the next five years after his navaka period,
the bhikkhu is called majjhima, ('one in the middle') and he is
allowed to live by himself if he is accomplished in certain qualities.[23]
When a bhikkhu has completed ten Rains he is called
Thera, which can be translated as 'an elder who is worthy of respect'.
If he is also accomplished in certain extra qualities,[24]
he is allowed to give ordination as preceptor, to be a teacher, and have
young monks live in dependence on him.
Throughout South East Asia, it is very common for young
men to become bhikkhus (or novices) for a short period of their life.
Traditionally this occurs during the three months of the Rains Retreat,
after which they disrobe and return to lay life, hopefully knowing and
appreciating much more about the bhikkhu life -- and probably having
friends still in the monastery whom they can visit for advice. In Thailand
this means that while a small proportion of bhikkhus will spend all their
life in the robe, many more Thai men will have tasted the life.
Such an ordination is also a rite of passage, for it is
a family, even a village event with many people joining in to see the
young man off into this new stage of his life.[25]
The new monk will frequently visit his former home on his daily alms round
so his ordination has a wider influence, showing the continuing
possibility of living the 'Holy Life' started by the Lord Buddha so long
ago.
It may also be considered a way for the young man to
show his gratitude to his parents and grandparents, for they are thought
to participate and share in the 'merit' he makes through his ordination.
Also, some men might ordain for a time before marriage -- one way for the
young man to prove his maturity to his fiancée -- and then again later in
life after retirement.
The bhikkhu's year is structured around the three
months from July to October. In Asia this is the time of the monsoon
season -- the central period of the agricultural year -- when the paddy
fields are flooded and the main rice crop is planted. In the Buddha's time
(and until modern times), people were less likely to travel around during
this period because the roads were bad and there was a danger of crop
damage. So the bhikkhus likewise suspended their mendicant wanderings and
had to settle in one place.
A bhikkhu must make a formal determination to be
resident at dawn every day in that place for the whole three month period.
(There are exceptional circumstances when he may be allowed to be away,
but even then he should return within seven days.)[26]
These three months are often a special time of study or meditation and so
are sometimes known as the Rains Retreat or Rains Residence.
This is also the normal time when the young men of South East Asia become
monks for the traditional three month period (see above).
A bhikkhu often measures the length of time he has been
a monk according to how many Rains Residences he has undertaken. Therefore
instead of saying he has been 'ordained seven years' he might say he has
been ordained for 'seven Rains'.
Living the bhikkhu-life properly, following the
Buddha's Teaching, requires full commitment and sustained effort. If this
is lost and his Dhamma friends cannot rekindle his interest, the bhikkhu
is always at liberty to return to lay life. There are no lifetime vows, so
perhaps living a good lay life is better than being lax in keeping the
bhikkhu's rules. Nevertheless, in some countries there is a cultural
expectation of 'ordaining for life' and a corresponding stigma attached to
disrobing.
"A bhikkhu who is tired of the practice of the
Brahma-cariya [Holy Life] and wishes to return to the state of being a
lay man may do this by taking leave of the training..." (EV,IIIp237)
Disrobing is finalized by the monk clearly proclaiming
his change of status before another bhikkhu or lay person. Once the other
person understands his statement, he is no longer a bhikkhu. In Thailand
there is often a formal ceremony for this that ends with the former monk
undertaking the Five Precepts to replace the 227 Paa.timokkha Rule. (This
is also considered a step downwards, for the ideal way is certainly to
continue with the Holy Life 'for as long as life lasts'.)
In those countries where temporary ordinations are
'rites of passage', some men may ordain and disrobe several times in their
life -- before marriage and after retirement, for example. However, there
seems to be a tradition that bhikkhus do not disrobe and go forth again
more than seven times, but this rarely occurs.
If a bhikkhu commits a Defeater Offence there is no
need for him formally to disrobe because he is automatically expelled by
his wrongful action and is no longer a bhikkhu from that moment.[31]
He can never reordain during that lifetime.
This book is really only concerned with bhikkhus.
[27] In the Theravaada lineage it seems that
the bhikkhunii ordination lineage for women given by the Buddha --
equivalent to bhikkhu-ordination for men -- was lost in Sri Lanka with the
fall of Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka in the eleventh century C.E. and finally
with the fall of Pagan in the thirteenth century C.E. Bhikkhuniis
originally observed 311 Paa.timokkha Rules, and there are whole sections
of the Paali Vinaya texts devoted to the their rules.
The Paali Vinaya texts are contained in five large
volumes. The Sutta- Vibha"nga division comprises the two books that
contain the 227 Paa.timokkha Rules (and those for bhikkhuniis)
with the stories of their origin and other explanations. The next two
books, the Mahaavagga and Cullavagga of the Khandhaka
division:
"...contain a great variety of procedural material
dealing with such important Sangha functions as giving the Going Forth
and Acceptance, the recitation of the Paa.timokkha and the keeping of
the Rains Residence, as well as a great deal of material relating to
bhikkhu's requisites, such as lodgings, medicines, clothing, etc." (HS
ch. 7)
The last book (the Parivaara) is a form of
appendix or supplement.
So the 227 Paa.timokkha Rules are a part of the greater
Vinaya. As Ven. Thiradhammo remarks:
"...the Paa.timokkha is more like the bare
bones or skeleton of the Vinaya Pi.taka [Basket]. Without reference to
the explanations of the Sutta-Vibha"nga or the elaboration of the
Khandhakas this skeleton has no viable application!" (HS ch.7)
The Buddha laid down that on full and new moon days all
the bhikkhus in residence in the same community must come together in a
formal meeting. If there is a quorum of at least four bhikkhus, they
should listen to the full Paa.timokkha Rule. A competent bhikkhu who has
learned this by heart will recite it in the Paali language for the
Community so that they can remind themselves of their responsibilities in
keeping the major 227 Rules.[28] The complete
recitation may take anywhere from thirty-five minutes to an hour,
depending on the skill of the reciting bhikkhu.
Before the Paa.timokkha recitation begins, each bhikkhu
should admit to any offences that he knows he has committed by formally
telling another monk (or monks). Once this is accomplished, the monk is
considered 'pure' and can listen to the recitation of the rules. (The
recitation includes questions, asking if any bhikkhu present is guilty of
the offences.) In many communities it is normal for each bhikkhu to make a
'general confession' of all possible offences to another bhikkhu before
listening to the Paa.timokkha recitation.
Different offences are of different seriousness but the
most common faults committed by carelessness or mistake can be cleared by
'confession' to another bhikkhu.[29]
Admitting to one's mistake and agreeing to do better in the future is the
way of growth and progress towards the elimination of all carelessness and
absentmindedness.
When a bhikkhu breaks his precepts or rules[30]
it is called an offence (aapatti). Such offences are committed by
action or word, although intention is (almost always) a decisive factor.
Just thinking about doing something wrong is unskillful and may lead to
future problems but it is not an offence. We will be examining some of
these rules in the following pages.
The new bhikkhu is told about the Paaraajika
Offences immediately after ordination, so he fully knows that they are the
most serious of all the offences and that the consequences of
transgressing them causes him to be no longer a bhikkhu. The nature of the
act that breaks any of these four Paaraajika rules clearly reveals
that the bhikkhu is no longer interested in developing the subtle and
refined way of Dhamma. The alternative of voluntarily disrobing is always
available if he feels he can no longer keep the Rule and this is
considered a much better way to handle this sort of overwhelming desire.
A monk automatically falls from being a bhikkhu[31]
by committing any of these four offences of Defeat: sexual-intercourse,
murder, major-theft, or falsely claiming supernormal abilities. A bhikkhu
who falls into any of these four Defeater offences thereby severs himself
irrevocably from the bhikkhu community and is no longer considered a
bhikkhu. The text portrays it with some vivid similes showing their
irreparable nature: as 'a man with his head cut off'; as 'a withered leaf
fallen from its stem'; as 'a palm tree cut down'; as 'a broken stone'. For
while all the other offences can be remedied, these four are terminal.
This is a very serious class of offence. However, any
offending bhikkhu can be rehabilitated through confession and supervised
probation. Finally, the bhikkhu needs to be reinstated by a specially
convened Community (Sa"ngha) meeting of at least twenty monks.[32]
c) The Two Aniyata -- Indefinite or
Undetermined
The Bhikkhu Community (together with the bhikkhu
concerned) have to decide which rule, if any, has been infringed.
d) The 30 Nissaggiya Paacittiya -- Confession
with Forfeiture
These rules are often concerned with bhikkhus being
greedy and excessive in their demand for offerings, or with bhikkhus
obtaining requisites through improper means. This oppresses lay donors
and, classically, led them to comment: "How can these recluses... not
knowing moderation ask for... ?" The rules of this category also guide
bhikkhus on how they should take care of requisites and restrain the
bhikkhus from obtaining items that by their very nature are inappropriate.
This offence can be cleared by forfeiture of the
improper item to another bhikkhu(s) and formal confession of the offence.
º The other classes of offences can usually be
resolved by a simple 'confession' to another bhikkhu(s). They are:
e) The 92 Paacittiya -- Expiation through
Confession
All these offences can be cleared through confession to
another bhikkhu.
f) The Four Paa.tidesaniiya -- to be
Acknowledged
g) The 75 Sekhiyavatta -- Trainings
These are normally classified as offences of
'wrong-doing' (dukka.ta). There are two aspects to these 'rules of
training' which are mainly about etiquette and good manners. First, they
are a 'gauge' for the bhikkhu's mindfulness so that he becomes aware of
his behavior. Second, there is the external perspective of an observer
watching the bhikkhu's activity and noticing the care and refinement with
which he moves, eats, etc. (For example, see Proper
Behavior Outside the Monastery.)
h) The Seven Adhikara.nasamatha -- Settlement
of Issues
These are general procedures (rather than offences) for
dealing with disputes, accusations, offences and duties. (See BMC
p.511)
º In the full Vinaya texts there is also the
class of 'grave' (thullaccaya) offence. This is a 'derived offence'
from the most serious rules of Paaraajika and Sa"nghaadisesa
(groups (a) and (b) above) to cover those circumstances when
the full offence is not quite carried out but the conduct is still grave
enough to be at fault. There is also the dubbhaasita offence of
wrong speech.
The Lord Buddha would not set down a rule until the
situation demanded it, so the Paali often supplies the 'origin story'
about how the different rules came about. Certain characters often
reappear in the thick of misdeeds and mischief. For instance, one keeps on
coming across Venerable Udaayin or the notorious 'group-of-six' monks.
Their behavior[33] required attention and
rectification from the Buddha, who then made it into a general rule for
all the bhikkhus:
"'In that case, bhikkhus, I will formulate a
training rule for the bhikkhus with ten aims in mind: the excellence of
the Community, the peace of the Community, the curbing of the shameless,
the comfort of the well-behaved bhikkhus, the restraint of [defilements]
related to the present life, the prevention of [defilements] related to
the next life, the arousing of faith in the faithless, the increase in
the faithful, the establishment of the true Dhamma, and the fostering of
discipline."' (BMC p.5)
Later circumstances may have required the Buddha to
make amendments or special exceptions and the rule would then have been
adjusted accordingly.[34] There are also many
other minor offences mentioned in the original Paali texts, which have
been further enlarged upon by later Commentaries. So the range of rules
has become very extensive, and their observance and interpretation
correspondingly wide.
º Note that it was often lay people's criticism
that brought the monk's wrong doings to the attention of the Buddha.
(However, also notice how such criticism was often too hasty in blaming
all monks rather than just the original delinquent.)
More than two and a half thousand years have passed
since the Vinaya rules were originally set down by the Buddha, and many
things have markedly changed since then. Should the rules be modernized
and brought up to date? How can this be done?
Already during His lifetime, the Buddha made special
allowances for different regions (or desa) outside the 'Middle
Country' of North India -- where He lived and taught. These dealt with
both the workings of the Community -- for example, a smaller quorum for
ordination is allowed in distant parts where there are fewer monks -- and
practical measures, such as special dispensation for footwear and bathing.
(See EV,II,p.173) So there is a precedent for adapting to
conditions, but this does not mean the abolishing of any rules.[6]
The Lord Buddha also left us a set of principles that
can still be used as a standard to judge new circumstances.[35]
These are known as 'The Great Standards'. Properly used they should
protect against a wholesale dilution of the Rule.[36]
This is how the Great Standards are formulated:
"Bhikkhus, whatever I have not objected to,
saying, 'This is not allowable,' if it fits in with what is not
allowable, if it goes against what is allowable, that is not allowable
for you.
"Whatever I have not objected to, saying, 'This is
not allowable,' if it fits in with what is allowable, if it goes against
what is not allowable, that is allowable for you.
"And whatever I have not permitted, saying, 'This
is allowable,' if it fits in with what is not allowable, if it goes
against what is allowable, that is not allowable for you.
"And whatever I have not permitted, saying, 'This
is allowable,' if it fits in with what is allowable, if it goes against
what is not allowable, that is allowable for you." (BMC p.27; see also
EV, II, p170)
º Treated with care, these Great Standards
should enable bhikkhus to live according to the Vinaya Rule in, for
example, isolated communities in non-Buddhist countries with non-tropical
climates. They form a touchstone for modern conditions and substances.
Among the unenlightened, finding fault with others
(rather than dealing with one's own problems) often seems to be one of our
most damaging habitual tendencies. We are able to twist whatever we want
to this purpose. (Including the book that you are reading.) For bhikkhus
there are many cautions:
"... those [monks] who follow the Vinaya
blindly... tend to be proud and arrogant, regarding themselves as better
behaved and more strict than others, and despising other bhikkhus as
inferior. This in itself is unbecoming and worthy of censure; and when
such bhikkhus have to associate with others whom they feel to be
deficient in observing the Vinaya, they do it grudgingly and with a
sense of distaste, and thus bring even more trouble on themselves.
"As for the bhikkhu who behaves in the correct
manner, he is bound to feel cheerful because he senses that his behavior
is becoming." (OP p.11)
"One who knows the Vinaya well, knows just how far
the Vinaya goes. He will thus know what is definite and what is open to
interpretation. He will know that a monk who practices contrary to what
is clearly stated in the Vinaya... is rightly called alajjii
[shameless]. But he will remain tolerant and in perfect harmony with
those who follow a different practice from his own on matters not
clearly covered by the Vinaya..."(AB)
Disparate interpretations of the Vinaya rules can lead
different communities into claiming that only their understanding is
correct and everyone else is wrong. (See Disputes.)
The Buddhist Monastic Code has this to say:
"There is, of course, a danger in being too
independent in interpreting the tradition, in that strongly held
opinions can lead to disharmony in the Community.... At the same
time,... there are many areas on which the Vibha"nga [section of the
Vinaya] is unclear and lends itself to a variety of equally valid
interpretations. For proof of this, we need only look at the various
traditions that have developed in the different Theravadin countries,
and even within each country. For some reason, although people tend to
be very tolerant of different interpretations of the Dhamma, they can be
very intolerant of different interpretations of the Vinaya and can get
into heated arguments over minor issues having very little to do with
the training of the mind."
Venerable Thanissaro continues by emphasizing:
".. . that any interpretation based on a sound
reading of the [Paali] Canon should be respected: that each bhikkhu
should follow the interpretations of the Community in which he is
living, as long as they do not conflict with the Canon, so as to avoid
conflict over minor matters in daily life; and that he should also show
respect for the differing interpretations of other Communities where
they too do not conflict with the Canon, so as to avoid the pitfalls of
pride and narrow-mindedness."(BMC p.15)
º In the modern West we find ourselves with the
unusual (unique?)[37] situation of having
Buddhist monasteries and temples of so many different countries and
traditions so close at hand. We should appreciate this abundance and
variety, deciding which establishment suits our needs and then not worry
about the shortcomings of other places.
Having established a background, we will now turn to
the rules themselves. Rather than following the traditional listing, we
will group rules (of varying seriousness) together under four headings,
which might pertain to, or be of interest to, lay people:
-
Harmlessness
-
Relationships
-
Possessions and Offerings
-
Right Livelihood for a Bhikkhu
-
Miscellaneous
For other Patimokkha Rules not covered here, see
Appendix B
º Throughout its history Buddhism has been
renowned for its tolerance and compassion towards all living beings and
this is reflected in the Buddhist monks' Vinaya. Their rules cover
situations of causing harm ranging from murder -- which is universally
accepted as a crime -- to such things as destroying plant life.
The third Defeater (Paaraajika) Offence deals
with murder. The original story describes how some bhikkhus wrongly
grasped the Buddha's meditation teaching on the loathsome aspects of the
body[38] and, falling into wrong view,
committed suicide or asked someone to end their lives for them. The rule
can be summarized like this:
"Intentionally bringing about the untimely death
of a human being, even if it is still a foetus, is [an offence of
Defeat.]" (Summary Paar. 3; BMC p.78)
º A bhikkhu must not recommend killing, suicide
or help arrange a murder.[39] Also, because
in this rule a human being is defined as beginning with the human foetus,
counting "from the time consciousness first arises in the womb", he must
not advise or arrange an abortion.
There is no offence if death is caused accidentally or
without intention.[40]
The previous offence was one of Defeat for murder
whereas this rule is one of Confession (paacittiya) for killing
animals. It originally arose because Venerable Udaayin, a frequent
delinquent, detested crows so much that he shot them with arrows and then
displayed their cut-off heads.
"Deliberately killing an animal -- or having it
killed -- is [an offence of Confession]."(Summary Paac. 61; BMC p.423)
'Animal' here is paano, literally 'having
breath'. The Commentary explains that it includes living beings down to
the size of a bedbug. Elsewhere the texts forbid the killing of "even an
ant".
º One of the bhikkhu's requisites is a water
filter. This is employed to prevent the killing of (visible) waterborne
creatures when making use of water from a well or stream. Practically,
this also leads bhikkhus to take extra care that they cover water jars or
regularly change water so that mosquito larvae do not have opportunity to
breed. This shows how the Vinaya Rule emphasizes care and forethought as
'preventive medicine'.
There are two rules concerned with bhikkhus and their
use of water:
One of these offences was originally perpetrated by the
notorious 'group-of-six' monks who used water that contained living
beings. It can be summarized:
"Using water, knowing that it contains living
beings that will die from one's use, is [an offence of Confession.]"
(Paac. 62; BMC p.424)
In the second offence the monks of AA.lavii were doing
repairs and 'sprinkled grass and clay' with water that they knew contained
life. It is summarized:
"If a bhikkhu knows that water contains living
beings but still pours it out onto grass or earth it is [an offence of
Confession.] Also pouring -- or having it poured -- into such water
anything that would kill the beings therein is [an offence of
Confession.]" (Paac. 20; See BMC p.319)
Intention is an essential factor here. For example, if
a bhikkhu only intends to sweep a path but accidentally kills ants in the
process, there is no offence because it is not deliberate. However,
ordering an animal to be killed (and it is) is an offence. (Also, if he
suspects that that animal was killed to provide him with food, it is an
offence to eat it. See Meat-eating.)
º The common belief at the time of the Buddha
was that plants (and even soil) were 'one-facultied life'. Today we have
ecologically 'green' beliefs that are often equivalent -- at least they
seem to lead to much the same attitudes.[41]
(In Thailand, forest monks are well known as the best protectors of the
jungle.)
The eleventh Confession offence concerns destroying
plant life. It originated because a bhikkhu harmed 'one-facultied life' by
cutting down trees. He continued to cut down a tree even when the
tree-deva[42] asked him to stop, so she
went and complained to the Buddha. This led to lay criticism of such
behavior and a rule was set down:
"Intentionally damaging or destroying a living
plant is [an offence of Confession.]"(Summary Paac. 11; See BMC p.294)
Therefore destroying a living plant -- for instance,
felling a tree, uprooting a flower, burning grass -- is a Confession
offence; as is picking fruit from a tree, a flower from a bush, etc. It is
an offence of wrong-doing (dukka.ta) to damage or destroy fertile
seeds or pips, or viable seedlings. (See Kappiya).
º Bhikkhus who live in tropical forest
monasteries constantly have to protect both the jungle and themselves.
When paths are overgrown, snakes and other dangerous 'creepy-crawlies' can
be trodden on -- and bite back! There also may be a need for firebreaks.
One way that forest monks cope with this is a daily routine of sweeping
the paths. However they are not allowed to dig or clear the land.
The tenth Confession offence arose when bhikkhus dug
the ground and got others to dig, and the local people criticized them
because they considered the earth to be 'one-facultied life'. The rule is
phrased like this:
"Should any bhikkhu dig soil or have it dug, it is
[an offence of Confession.]" (Paac. 10; BMC p.292)
Digging, breaking the surface of the earth, lighting a
fire on it, pounding a stake into it are all disallowed. (If such 'earth'
is more gravel or sand than 'soil' -- and has no living creatures in it --
it may then be dug.)
º It is, however, allowable for monks to hint to
laypeople or novices about what needs doing as long as the words or
gestures fall short of a command. When bhikkhus need paths to be cleared,
necessary work done on the ground, firebreaks made, etc., any lay
attendant wanting to help should listen out for hints and indications: 'A
post hole dug over there would be useful'; 'make this ground allowable',
etc. What is needed can then be clarified.
º One practical and long term effect of these
rules is that they have steered bhikkhus away from involvement in
agriculture and land ownership. Such a development would also have
isolated bhikkhus from the lay community because they would no longer have
needed to depend on alms food.
Bhikkhus cannot live in complete isolation from lay
people, for the mutual support relationship is intrinsic to their way of
life. However, it should never become an intimate relationship for this
goes against the whole purpose of leaving the 'family life' with its
endless 'enclosed' complications.[43]
The 'Holy Life' or Brahmacariya is one that
checks the display of any form of sexual desire through the actions and
speech of the bhikkhu. (In fact restraint from gross sexual misconduct is
already part of the Five Precepts.[4] The
Eight and Ten Precepts immediately refine this and then the Vinaya manages
it with even greater subtlety.) One's Dhamma life can then advance towards
the ending of all desire through mind development and meditation. The most
potent object for such sexual desire, that which the mind is most
tenaciously grasping after, is usually associated with the opposite sex,
so many rules involve this relationship.[44]
º The first offence of all the 227 listed rules
of the Paa.timokkha concerns a bhikkhu engaging in sexual intercourse. It
remains a hot issue, perhaps even more so today, going by the number of
sexual scandals that rock the Buddhist religious world in both the East
and the West. As Venerable Thiradhammo writes:
"While some of the guidelines may seem somewhat
rigid or prudish, it is important to reflect upon the volatility and
durability of rumour, even if untrue. The incessant sex-scandals in
religious circles may provide a sufficient incentive to encourage the
greatest measure of prevention and discretion." (HS ch.13)
The rule was originally laid down because of Venerable
Sudinna. He was the son of a rich merchant, who left home to become a
bhikkhu only after great opposition from his family. He went away to
practice Dhamma and when he came back to visit sometime later, his parents
were overjoyed to see him and plotted to lure him back into the lay life
again. They invited him for a meal and then laid out their wealth in front
of him, piled up in two huge heaps of gold, while the wife he had left
behind dressed herself in her most irresistibly alluring way. Venerable
Sudinna remained unmoved by all of this. After telling them to throw the
gold away in the river, he called his former wife, "Sister". Nevertheless,
when his elderly mother pleaded with him at least to give them an heir, he
foolishly gave in and had sexual intercourse with his former wife.
This First Defeater Offence is summarized:
"A bhikkhu who engages in any form of sexual
intercourse is Defeated." (Paar. 1; See BMC p.45)
Every form and variety of sexual intercourse with
sexual penetration -- whether genital, oral or anal, whether with woman,
man or animal -- is forbidden. The penalty is the heaviest one of
Paaraajika or Defeat.
º The modern West has stories of sexual
harassment, so the ways that the Buddha dealt with such matters should not
seem so very strange.
If a bhikkhu touches a woman in a sexual way, he
commits a very serious offence requiring formal meetings of the Community
and probation (Sa"nghaadisesa). The
scrupulous bhikkhu wants to remain above suspicion so, if he can, he will
avoid all physical contact. (Hence his attitude to shaking hands. This
also explains why in Thailand a receiving cloth is used to receive
offerings from women. (See EN 85)
The rule was first set down by the Buddha after a
brahman and his wife had gone to inspect Ven. Udaayin's fine dwelling. As
Ven. Udaayin was showing them around, he came up behind the lady and
"rubbed up against her limb by limb". After they had left, the husband
praised Ven. Udaayin but the wife was critical and explained what had
happened. The brahman then complained, "Isn't it even possible to take
one's wife to a monastery without her being molested?" This rule was then
set down:
"Should any bhikkhu, overcome by lust, with
altered mind, engage in bodily contact with a woman, or in holding her
hand, holding a lock of her hair, or caressing any of her limbs, it
entails initial and subsequent meetings of the Community."(Sa"ngh. 2;
BMC p.100)
To be at fault, the bhikkhu must usually do some action
to bring contact with a woman while lust overcomes his mind.[45]
If he accidentally stumbles and bumps into a woman or vice-versa, or if he
is accosted by a woman, as long as there is no intention to come into
lustful contact there is no offence. However, the average bhikkhu's mind
tends to be so quick and unruly -- he is, after all, still in training and
therefore unenlightened -- that he may prefer to be super-cautious about
such situations.
If a bhikkhu touches his mother out of affection, then
this is still an offence but the lesser one of wrong-doing (dukka.ta).
[46] While gratitude to parents was strongly
emphasized by the Buddha, the bhikkhu having left the home-life and his
family should not cling to worldly relationships. The only true way for
him to fulfill his filial obligations is by gaining insight into Dhamma
and then teaching his parents.
If a bhikkhu is acting with lustful intentions, he
incurs a grave (thullaccaaya) offence for making bodily contact
with a pa.n.daka ('sex- aberrant') and an offence of wrong-doing
for contact with a male. (See BMC p.103)
º The previous rules dealt with the bhikkhu's
physical actions, the next two rules are offences -- again of the very
serious category -- that concern his wrong speech towards women.
This rule came into being when many women visitors came
together to look over Ven. Udaayin's dwelling. He spoke to them in a lewd,
flirtatious way so that some of them said, "It is improper. Even from our
husbands we wouldn't like to hear this sort of thing". Therefore, the
Buddha laid down this rule:
"Should any bhikkhu, overcome by lust, with
altered mind, address lewd words to a woman in the manner of young men
to a young woman alluding to sexual intercourse, it entails initial and
subsequent meetings of the Community." (Sa"ngh. 3; BMC p.110)
º The following rule is very relevant today when
some misguidedly believe that submitting to sex with spiritual teachers
can help in their spiritual development.
Again, it was originally a lustful Ven. Udaayin who was
the cause of this offence. This time, he suggested to a beautiful and
devout woman follower that she make a 'special offering' to him, that of
sexual intercourse. The Buddha then set forth this rule:
"Telling a woman that she would benefit from
having sexual intercourse with oneself is [an offence requiring initial
and subsequent meetings of the Community.]" (Summary[47]
Sa"ngh. 4; BMC p.117)
º The major issue today seems more to center
around divorce and the breakdown of marriage rather than arranging
marriages. However one should note how these affairs can involve the
bhikkhu and how he should guard against becoming too drawn in. (It is also
noteworthy that this is considered one of the most serious offences.)
Ven. Udaayin caused this rule to be set down because he
involved himself in arranging many marriages and liaisons. When some of
these failed, they blamed him for the failure. The offence is summarized:
"Should any bhikkhu engage in conveying a man's
intentions to a woman or a woman's intentions to a man, proposing
marriage or paramourage -- even if only for a momentary liaison -- it
entails initial and subsequent meetings of the Community."(Sa"ngh. 5;
BMC p.117)
A bhikkhu should not officiate at weddings,[48]
except perhaps to chant a blessing afterwards and encourage the newly
married couple to lead virtuous and faithful lives together based in
generosity, virtue and meditation. He also has to be circumspect when
counselling couples. (There is no offence in reconciling a married but
estranged couple as long as they are not yet divorced.)
º A bhikkhu not only has to be impeccable but
also must be seen to be so. He sets an example for everyone and therefore
must be beyond reproach. Any doubtful situations have to be clarified,
which is how the next rules came about. Some knowledge of these rules may
also help to explain the sometimes seemingly antisocial attitude of some
bhikkhus. (When bhikkhus are reluctant to enter into too private a
conversation, it may reflect the unsuitability of the time and place for
such a meeting.)
There are two aspects to these particular rules:
physical closeness and private conversation (see below
Talking Privately). If a woman sees a monk who
is sitting alone and she wants to sit close to him, or she wants to have a
one-to-one conversation with him, the following rules have to be taken
into account.
First, the rules dealing with intimate proximity:
The Two Aniyata, Indefinite or Undetermined
Cases, were formulated after Ven. Udaayin went to visit a recently married
young woman. He sat privately with her, in a secluded place, just the two
of them, talking about worldly affairs. The respected female lay-follower,
Visaakhaa, saw them sitting there and said to Ven. Udaayin, "This is
improper, Ven. Sir, and unsuitable, that the master should sit in private
like this. Although, Ven. Sir, the master may have no desire for sexual
intercourse, there are unbelieving people who are difficult to convince."
The Buddha therefore set this down:
"Should any bhikkhu sit in private, alone with a
woman in a seat secluded enough to lend itself (to the sexual act), so
that a female lay follower whose word can be trusted,[49]
having seen (them), might describe it as constituting any of the three
cases -- involving either Defeat, [Community Meetings], or [Confession]
-- then the bhikkhu, acknowledging having sat (there), may be dealt with
for any of the three cases... or he may be dealt with for whichever case
the female lay follower described. This case is undetermined."(Aniyata
1; BMC p.157)
The Second Indefinite Offence is similar to the first,
except that the place is less secluded and therefore not suitable for
sexual intercourse although it could still be grounds for the other sexual
offences, such as "addressing a woman with lewd words".
º When a bhikkhu intentionally sits alone with a
woman in a secluded or private place (as in the above two rules) it can
lead on to more intimate behavior or at least to misunderstandings from
unexpected onlookers. To preclude such problems a bhikkhu needs a
companion or 'chaperone'.[50]
A 'secluded place' is where a monk and women can sit
(or lie down) on a seat together in a place that is hidden from view and
out of earshot, for example, a private room or behind a wall or hedge. In
such circumstances, a man or boy old enough to understand what is
inappropriate conduct must be also present as chaperone. Therefore, if a
woman -- or women, for according to this particular rule (Aniyata
1) it does not matter how many there are -- sees a bhikkhu sitting alone
in such a very secluded place, she should remember about this rule and not
go and sit with him but await a more suitable time or find a male to act
as chaperone.
A less secluded but still 'private place' (Aniyata
2) would be, for example, a bench in a deserted park or a glassed-in porch
or any other place that is private but not secluded enough for sexual
intercourse. (BMC p.389) In this case, the Commentary allows the
chaperone to be either male or female but they must be someone who knows
'what is and what is not lewd' and they must be 'within sight'. However if
the monk and woman talk together the chaperone must be male because of the
relevant rule about that. (See Talking Privately
below.)
º The following 'Confession Rules' connect with
the above 'Indefinite Rules'. (See explanations above for definitions of a
'secluded' and a 'private place'.)
The forty-fourth Confession Offence originated when the
husband of a woman denounced Ven. Upananda for sitting alone in a
'secluded place' with his wife. The ruling:
"Sitting or lying down with a woman or women in a
private, secluded place with no other man present is [an offence of
Confession.]"(Summarized Paac. 44; BMC p.385)
The next Confession Offence follows on with Ven.
Upananda, this time, being caught sitting alone with the man's wife in a
'private place'. This time the ruling is:
"Should any bhikkhu sit in private, alone with a
woman,[51] it is [an offence of
Confession.]"(Paac. 45; BMC p.389)
Therefore as with the Indefinite Offences above
there needs to be a chaperone present.
º The previous rules dealt with physical
proximity whereas this next rule concerns a bhikkhu and woman talking
alone. It might appear strange that a rule should completely forbid
confidential interviews with a bhikkhu alone. Yet if one reflects on how
things have regularly gone wrong with such private spiritual counselling,
it is easier to see that being safe is better than sorry -- for the sake
of everyone involved. Even if their conduct is completely pure, it still
may lead to rumour and criticism.[52]
The seventh Confession offence arose when Ven. Udaayin
went to visit lay supporters. He sat close to the mother of the family at
the front door, teaching her Dhamma in a quiet, confidential manner, and
then approached the daughter-in-law who was by the side door and spoke to
her in the same way. Both women mistakenly thought that he was flirting
with the other, and criticized him, saying that Dhamma should be given in
a clear and open way. As a result the Buddha eventually laid down that:
"Teaching more than six sentences [vaacaa] of
Dhamma to a woman, except in response to a question, is [an offence of
Confession] unless a knowledgeable man is present." (Summarized Paac. 7;
BMC p.285)
There are different interpretations as to exactly what
is meant by 'six sentences', for the Paali word vaacaa can mean
'word', 'saying' or 'speech'.[53] Even if
there are many women, but no other man, it is still considered an offence.
º One can see from the origin of this rule that
the point (again) is not that women cannot be taught Dhamma but
that it should be done in a way that is completely open and above
misinterpretation.
º The next rule deals with the proximity of
bhikkhus and women at night. There are different interpretations of this
rule and as it is a frequently asked question extra translations with some
discussion will be included.
This rule originally arose when Ven. Anuruddha -- one
of the most highly accomplished disciples of the Buddha -- was traveling
and asked the woman who owned a travelers' rest house if he could stay the
night. She readily agreed and when more travelers arrived and Ven.
Anuruddha let them share the room, she invited him to come and sleep
inside instead. She had, however, become infatuated with him and tried to
seduce him. When she saw that Ven. Anuruddha was completely unmoved, she
came to her senses and asked his forgiveness. Ven. Anuruddha then gave her
a Dhamma talk which so delighted her that she took refuge in the Triple
Gem.
Here are several translations:[54]
"If a bhikkhu sleeps in a place where there is a
surrounding wall and under the same roof with a woman, even for one
night, it is [an offence of Confession.]" (Paac. 6; Nv p.14)
"A monk who lies down with a female in the same
building under the same roof and within walls, which are complete or
almost complete, commits [a Confession Offence.]" (Paac. 6; BBC p.120)
"Lying down at the same time in the same lodging
with a woman is [an offence of Confession.]" (Paac. 6; BMC p.280)
There are complications concerning how this rule should
be applied to modern conditions, for example:
"Houses in tropical climates are often constructed
without the system of doors and rooms found in colder climates, hence
the importance of this rule. Bhikkhus obliged to stay in a Western-type
house with lockable rooms in places where no [monastery] exists, as must
sometimes happen during Dhammaduta [Spreading-Dhamma] work, will hardly
be included here." (Paat. 1966 Ed.; p106)
"The Commentary (Samantapaasaadika) further
explains that when there are many rooms in a single building -- such as
in a block of flats or apartments -- the 'same sleeping place' is only
those rooms which have a common 'entrance' (upacaara). It continues by
explaining that an 'entrance' is where one washes one's feet before
entering a set of rooms. Now each flat/apartment usually has a doormat
on which one wipes one's feet before entering the flat/apartment and
therefore, following the Commentary, the doormat marks the 'entrance'
(upacaara) of a single 'same-sleeping-place'. In other words, separate
flats/apartments become separate sleeping places for the purposes of
this rule."(AB)[55]
So there are different interpretations as to exactly
what is meant by 'same place'. For example, does a locked door make a room
a separate place? The Commentary suggests that if a building is divided
into units that are not connected and each has a separate entrance, then
each unit counts as a 'place'. Therefore apartment blocks would be
allowable. And hospitals?
In the West, where there are few monasteries, visiting
bhikkhus have to decide how to follow these rules. It is not just a
question of being strict but also about how it looks to lay people. Will
they be suspicious about a bhikkhu staying too close to women? How will
they feel if he stays in an expensive hotel room? A good standard is
probably:
"...since the Canon gives no clear guidance on
this point, the wise policy for an individual bhikkhu is to follow the
views of the Community to which he belongs." (BMC p.274)
The next point to deal with is that of a bhikkhu
traveling with a woman. This is also a very practical question and is
often asked about.
In the Buddha's time, a bhikkhu was about to set out on
a journey when he met a woman who has just quarreled with her husband. She
asked where he was going and if she could accompany him. He agreed. The
husband then appeared, searching for his wife. He heard that she had gone
off with a monk and assumed that they were lovers, so when he caught up
with the pair he thrashed the bhikkhu before explanations could be made.
When the husband realized his mistake, he apologized to the bhikkhu.
Therefore this rule was set down:
"Traveling by arrangement with a woman from one
village to another is [an offence of Confession.]" (Summarised Paac. 67;
BMC p.434)
º Modern practice differs according to the
Community so lay women should bear this rule in mind when arranging
transport for bhikkhus,[56] or going to the
same place as them. Reluctance by a bhikkhu to arrange such journeys might
also be explained by this rule.
"...it seems reasonable, as there is some
uncertainty [as to whether it applies to more than just one monk and one
woman,] to be more lenient allowing a journey with one or more women as
long as there is at least one male accompanying the monk and the journey
is not long. For example, a woman driving two monks in her car to an
invitation in the next village seems no more reprehensible than two
monks sitting down talking Dhamma to the women, but two women driving
across Australia with two monks could be a cause for concern." (AB)
The term 'bhikkhu' is defined as 'almsman', or
'mendicant'. He is one who depends on others for his material needs. This
relationship of 'right livelihood' incurs responsibilities: the bhikkhu
must receive and use offerings in the right way, whereas the lay devotee
should make material offerings in the right way and receive Dhamma
teachings in the right way. (See also Wrong
Livelihood.) The lay person gives material support, which the
bhikkhu properly receives and uses in his Dhamma-practice so he can
eventually reciprocate with the 'highest of gifts' -- Dhamma.
The proper needs of a bhikkhu and how they are supplied
is extensively covered in the Vinaya Rule. If all bhikkhus were
enlightened, we obviously would need few guidelines. However, most monks
are still in the process of learning how to completely to eradicate greed,
anger and delusion, so 'possessions' misused can easily lead to unskillful
states of mind.
The Buddha said that there were four necessities of
life -- clothing, food, lodging and medicine -- and that they have to be
treated properly:
"Properly considering the robe, I use it: simply
to ward off cold, to ward off heat, to ward off the touch of flies,
mosquitoes, simply for the purpose of covering the parts of the body
that cause shame.
"Properly considering almsfood, I use it: not
playfully, nor for intoxication, nor for putting on weight, nor for
beautification; but simply for the survival and continuance of this
body, for ending its afflictions, for the support of the chaste life,
(thinking) I will destroy old feelings (of hunger) and not create new
feelings (from overeating). Thus I will maintain myself, be blameless,
and live in comfort.
"Properly considering the lodging, I use it:
simply to ward off cold, to ward off heat, to ward off the touch of
flies, mosquitoes, wind, sun and reptiles; simply for protection from
the inclemencies of weather and for the enjoyment of seclusion.
"Properly considering medicinal requisites for
curing the sick, I use them: simply to ward off any pains of illness
that have arisen and for the maximum freedom from disease." [OP
pp.46-47; (Pali: M. I, 10; A. III, 387)]
Clothing, food, shelter and medicine are necessary
whether one is a lay person or a bhikkhu. The bhikkhu, however, should
take a completely balanced stance towards these fundamentals. Advertising
and the latest fashion should not draw him, for he should be solely
concerned with simplicity and lack of attachment towards things.[57]
It seems that the original requisites were 'basics' that wandering
bhikkhus could conveniently carry around, for example, an alms bowl, three
robes, a sitting cloth, a needle-case, and a waist band. However, extra
allowances were gradually given as the need arose, for instance, a water
filter, a razor and its sheath, the stone and strop for sharpening it and
then articles such as an umbrella and sandals. Later the commentaries
allowed other similar items.
The Buddha made it clear that bhikkhus should avoid
begging if possible. (In times of great need a bhikkhu is allowed to ask
for his basic requisites, for example, if his robes are stolen he may ask
any lay person for one replacement robe.) He gave this story about
'begging':
A bhikkhu came to the Lord Buddha and complained about
a great flock of noisy birds that came to roost at night in the forest
surrounding his abode. The Buddha suggested that if he wanted them to go
away he should go, many times throughout the night, and beg a feather from
each bird. The birds, thinking, 'that monk wants a feather, and
another, and another...', left the forest and never returned. The
Buddha then explained that begging and hinting were unpleasant even to
common animals, how much more so to human beings.
A bhikkhu who is constantly begging for things displays
his greedy state of mind. No one likes to see this, and lay supporters may
start by criticizing him and then turn to blaming his Community or even
the Buddha's Teaching. The Buddha, therefore, set down many rules to guide
the bhikkhus about what is proper conduct.
Normally a bhikkhu will not ask for things. Instead, he
will wait for something to be offered. This is exemplified in the alms
round where the bhikkhu makes no request, does not even look at people,
although he may quietly wait to see if an offering is to be made before
moving on. One way that lay people enable a bhikkhu to ask them for help
is by making an invitation or pavaara.naa. [58]
The Buddha allowed a bhikkhu to accept pavaara.naa
or 'invitation'. Such an invitation is made when lay people decide to
commit themselves to supplying medicines if a particular bhikkhu should
ever become ill, or it can be a broader offer of help. (Although a sick
monk is allowed to ask anyone for medicine, asking somebody who has
already invited him with a pavaara.naa invitation is obviously
preferable.) Therefore if lay people meet a bhikkhu who seems worthy of
help and support, they may make such an invitation. Quite a number of the
rules[59] deal with what and how much may be
asked for when a donor makes this formal invitation.
An invitation can therefore be quite specific about
what is being offered and how long that invitation will last. (Obviously,
if circumstances change or the request is unreasonable, the donor has no
obligations -- and a conscientious bhikkhu is always sensitive about
this.)
A clear invitation[60]
will also help prevent misunderstandings. For instance, the bhikkhu will
know exactly what has been offered and so will not ask for more than that;
and the lay person will not be overwhelmed by extravagant requests.
The original circumstances of the forty-seventh
Confession Offence were as follows:
A lay supporter possessed much 'medicinal ghee' so he
invited the monks to make use of it during the following four months. Much
of the medicine was still left, so he extended his invitation for another
four months and then extended it for life. The Buddha allowed this.
However, that same lay donor had once criticized the 'group-of-six' monks
because of their previous improper conduct so they decided to take their
revenge by asking him for an impossibly large amount of medicine (ghee)
and then criticized him when he could not immediately produce what he had
promised. This rule was set down:
"A bhikkhu who is not ill may accept (make use of)
a four- month invitation [pavaara.naa] to ask for requisites. If he
should accept (make use of) it for longer than that -- unless the
invitation is renewed or is permanent -- it is [an offence of
Confession.]" (Paac. 47; BMC p.393)
When the invitation is more vague -- for example, a lay
person may just say, "If you need anything, Bhante, let me know" -- the
bhikkhu should not exceed the spirit of the invitation. In fact some
communities consider that an invitation in which the lay person does not
mention any time limit is valid only for four months and that taking up
the invitation beyond that time is an offence.
A bhikkhu is always allowed to ask for requisites from
his relatives without having formal invitation first. (Whether they
actually supply anything is, of course, up to them.) 'Relatives' are
considered to be those with whom the bhikkhu has common ancestors back
through seven generations, on both the mother's and father's side. Here
'in-laws' are not counted as relatives.
"Thus all descendants of one's
great-great-great-great-great- great-great-grandfather are counted as
one's relatives... [although] a bhikkhu at present would be well-advised
to regard as his relatives only those blood-relations with whom ties of
kinship are actually felt." (BMC p.183)
The ideal possessions of the bhikkhu are just his basic
requisites: three main robes (described in the following section); alms
bowl; waistband; needle and thread; razor and water filter.
The alms bowl can be made from clay or iron but must be
properly fired to harden it (if clay) and rustproof it (if iron). Three
bowl-sizes are mentioned: small, medium and large.[61]
There are also several rules about begging for a new bowl before one's old
one is worn out, which entails forfeiture of the wrongly acquired bowl.
(Nis. Paac. 22; 23)
The waistband became necessary when a monk's
'skirt-robe' fell down while he was in a village. The needle and thread
are needed for patching and repairing the robes -- and many teachers
instruct that it is a wrong-doing for a monk not to repair them the same
day.[62] While the razor became necessary
when:
"At one time, bhikkhus' hair was long. The Buddha
asked the bhikkhus:"'Bhikkhus, are the bhikkhus able to cut one
another's hair?'"When they answered in the affirmative, he allowed a
razor, whetstone, razor-case, felt wrapping and barbers'
equipment..."Lay people criticized the group of six bhikkhus for wearing
long hair. The Buddha made this a Wrong-doing, allowing only two
finger-breadths in length or two months growth, whichever came first...
Hair and beards should not be styled, combed or smoothed, or gray hairs
plucked out -- all considered to be 'like pleasure-enjoying
householders'."(HS ch.12)
The water filter is needed to avoid killing small
creatures in drinking water. (See also Killing.)
However, most bhikkhus will have more than this --
ranging from everyday items like soap and toothpaste, candles and matches,
pen and books, a watch or clock, a flashlight or torch, to more
sophisticated things appropriate to their environment. The principle is
that such things should not be luxurious or expensive.[63]
Anything that is given to him (that is allowable) is his to keep, and he
is allowed to give his things away if it is done in the right way and does
not cause the donor's faith to decline.[64]
Disposal or appropriation of anything owned by the
Community, or belonging to the monastery, is strictly controlled and is
covered by the rules that follow in the next section.
After a bhikkhu dies, his possessions will normally
revert to the Sangha:
"Articles belonging to bhikkhus and novices who
have died have the Sangha [Community] as owner, that is they are the
inheritance of the Sangha." (EV,II,p.151)
When a bhikkhu receives a general (i.e., non-personal)
gift, there are two rules to guard against his misdirecting it. (When a
bhikkhu actually steals something it is an offence of Defeat. See
Stealing.)
The first of these rules arose when a guild was
preparing to make an offering of a meal and some cloth to the whole
Community whereupon the 'group-of-six' bhikkhus arrived and pressured the
donors into giving the cloth to them instead:
"Should any bhikkhu knowingly divert to himself
gains that had been intended for a Community, it is [an offence of
Confession with Forfeiture.]" (Nis. Paac. 30; BMC p.256)
"'Gains' here refers to robes, alms food, abodes
and medicines... and other allowable things. [They are] gifts dedicated
as offerings to the Sangha but not yet offered. A bhikkhu diverts such
gifts to himself by asking directly for them or by roundabout speech so
that the donor will give them to him."(Nis. Paac. 30; Paat. 1969 Ed.;
p159)
In the above rule the wrongly obtained 'gift' must be
forfeited to another bhikkhu(s). (However, money is a special case. See
Valuables and Money.) The following rule
complements the one above but is an offence of Confession:
"Persuading a donor to give to another individual
a gift that he or she had planned to give to a Community -- when one
knows that it was intended for the Community -- is [an offence of
Confession.]"(Paac. 82; BMC p.461)
As has been mentioned above, the Buddha said that there
were four necessities for life -- Clothing, Food or 'edibles', Shelter or
lodging and Medicine -- so we will use those divisions in the following
sections.
º There is also a Sutta where it is mentioned
that bhikkhus do not accept gifts of gardens, paddy-fields and
other sorts of land, or draught animals, and other sorts of animals, etc.
(EV,II, p.150)
The basic clothing that the Buddha originally suggested
for a bhikkhu was made from discarded cloth ('rags') sewn together and
dyed.[65] After sewing the pieces together,
they were just large rectangular pieces of cloth worn wraparound style. In
the beginning,[66] it seems that there were
two robes: a sarong skirt-like robe (antaravaasaka) tied with a
belt, and a robe to cover the upper part of the body (uttaraasa"nga).
When the cold weather required more protection, the Buddha allowed a third
robe, which was a double-thickness outer robe (sa"nghaa.ti).
Some rules limit the size of robes because cloth in
India in those days was expensive due to the simple methods of spinning
and weaving. Also, so that the robe would not be worth stealing, the cloth
always had to be cut into panels that were then sewn together based on the
design of paddy fields seen from a mountain:[67]
|
![[sketch of the panels of a robe]](robe.gif) |
After having received an offering of white cloth and
having properly cut and sewn the panels together, the bhikkhu must dye it
to produce the 'yellow robe'. Traditionally, vegetable dyes were used in
this process. Different plants and woods when boiled up will produce
slightly different shades of dye color -- the Paali text calls the
standard color kaasaaya or kaasaava, translated as
'dun-colored dye-water'[68] -- so there is
some variety. When bhikkhus from different communities come together,
their different shades of 'yellow'-dyed robes makes this very noticeable.
(The destruction of the South East Asian forests has led to chemical dyes
being used more frequently, so that cloth offered nowadays is often
pre-dyed and brighter in color.)
Slightly varied styles of wearing the traditional set
of three robes have developed over the years in different countries.[69]
But basically, the rectangular shaped robe is put around the body and the
two vertical edges are folded or rolled together. Then either it is tucked
in and secured with a belt (for the skirt-robe) or, for the larger outer
robes, the edge is 'thrown' or flicked over the left shoulder and pinched
under the left arm so that it will not slip off. There are various
techniques for this. (It needs some practice!)
In the Lord Buddha's time, it was a sign of respect to
bare one's right shoulder. Therefore when in the monastery the bhikkhu
will normally wear his outer robe with the right shoulder visible. On
leaving the monastery for inhabited areas he must cover both shoulders.[70]
In addition to this required set of the 'triple robe',
which every bhikkhu must have and look after, there are extra cloths that
can be used occasionally.[71]
The month following the three months of the Rains
Retreat -- sometime in the October--November period -- is the traditional
Ka.thina time for renewing bhikkhus' robes.[72]
In ancient times, this was when bhikkhus would help one another in
hand-sewing cloth into new robes -- using the special wooden ka.thina
frame.
This is the time when lay supporters often make a
special offering of cloth and other requisites to all the monks at a
particular monastery. A sewing machine is normally used but all the monks
still try to help in the marking out, cutting, sewing, or dying process.
The cloth has to be offered, sewn and dyed, so that it is a finished robe
and ready to wear within the same day. (Often the robe nowadays is already
sewn and pre-dyed.) If this procedure is carried through correctly, the
bhikkhus are then entitled to special allowances for the next few months.
The Ka.thina Ceremony is optional (unlike some
other observances that are mandatory) and requires a quorum of five
(eligible) bhikkhus. It has, however, generally become an important
festival and almsgiving occasion.
º As has been mentioned above, the Buddha said
that there were four necessities of life: clothing, food, shelter and
medicine.
The Buddha suggested[73]
that the basic source of food for bhikkhus was that received on the
morning alms round (pi.n.dapaata). This daily dependence on alms
food reminds both the bhikkhus and the lay devotees of their
interdependence and prevents the bhikkhu from becoming too isolated from
the lay community. He 'meets' them every day and eats the food that they
share with him. Several important rules are concerned with this as well as
a major section of the Sekhiya Training rules. (See below; see also
story about Ven. Assaji.)
An alms round is not considered begging, for the
bhikkhu does not solicit anything but is ready mindfully to receive any
alms that lay people may wish to give. Although alms food may sometimes be
meager, the bhikkhu is always expected to be grateful for whatever he is
given.[74] It is surprising how particular we
can be about what food we like to eat; and what complications that can
cause. This is reflected in the way rules concerning 'edibles' are
arranged, which may seem very complex especially when the bhikkhu's life
is supposed to be so simple. It should be borne in mind that the rules
often deal with extraordinary circumstances and try to prevent them from
becoming the norm.
When the 'group-of-six' monks in the Buddha's time
solicited 'special foods' and ate them themselves, the lay people
criticized this saying, "Who isn't fond of good food and sweets?" The
Buddha therefore laid down this rule:
"There are these finer staple foods, i.e., ghee,
fresh butter, oil, honey, sugar/molasses, fish, meat, fresh milk, and
curds. Should any bhikkhu who is not ill, having asked for finer staple
foods such as these for his own sake, then eat them, it is [an offence
of Confession.]" (Paac. 39; BMC p.367)
"There are sumptuous foods, namely foods mixed
with ghee, butter, oil, honey, molasses, fish, meat, milk and curd; and
a monk who, though not sick, asks for such sumptuous foods for himself
and eats them commits [an offence of Confession.]" (Paac. 39; BBC p.127)
The ancient commentators suggest that these 'finer
foods' are actually made when one mixes rice, for example, with butter or
fish, etc.
An exception is made for a monk who is ill, and a
bhikkhu can ask for special food for the sake of a fellow monk who is
sick. (He is always allowed to ask a relative or someone who has offered a
Pavaara.naa Invitation.
A whole section[75] of the
seventy-five Sekhiya Training guidelines is concerned with how a
bhikkhu receives and eats his alms food. Although 'table manners' may
differ from country to country, and from age to age, these Sekhiya
rules still largely conform to what is considered good manners:
"I will receive alms food appreciatively."[76]
(Sekhiya 27)
"When receiving alms food, I will focus my
attention on the bowl." (Sekhiya 28)
º This explains why the bhikkhu may not look at
the donor when accepting food -- he is concentrating on properly receiving
it.
"I will receive/eat (bean-)curries in the right
proportion to the rice." (Sekhiya 29/34)
It is suggested that this was laid down so that
bhikkhus on alms round would not pass by people offering plain rice in
favor of better quality food. (See EV,I,p.211)
"I will receive alms food only until it reaches
the rim of the bowl." (Sekhiya 30)
º However, on festival or special occasions the
bhikkhu's bowl may be emptied so that everyone who wants to join in
offering has the opportunity.[77]
"I will eat alms food attentively." (Sekhiya
31)"When eating alms food, I will look only into the bowl." (Sekhiya 32)
º This is also why the bhikkhu should not be
expected to talk while he is eating, for this will distract his attention.
"I will not cover up curries or other food with
rice out of a desire to get more." (Sekhiya 36)
If donors think that the monk has only plain rice in
his bowl, they may give him some 'better' food.
"When I am not sick, I will not ask for curries or
rice for my own benefit." (Sekhiya 37)
Other Sekhiya rules seem aimed at bhikkhus
eating from their bowl using their fingers in the traditional way of
India:[78]
"I will not make up an overlarge mouthful of food;
nor open my mouth until the portion of food has been brought to it; nor
put my fingers into my mouth; nor speak with my mouth full.
"I will not eat: stuffing out my cheeks; shaking
my hand about; scattering grains of rice about; putting out my tongue;
making a champing sound; (or drink) making a sucking sound; licking my
hands; scraping the bowl; licking my lips. I will not take hold of a
vessel of water with my hand soiled with food." (Sekhiya[75]
Section)
In the West the first meal of the day is 'break-fast'.
For the bhikkhu this is literally true, for he will not have taken any
food since the previous morning. Food intake is limited to the hours
between dawn and noon. The practice of not eating in the afternoon is a
very old tradition mentioned in the earliest Suttas.[79]
It is also included in the Ten Precepts of the novice (saama.nera)
and dasasiila mata nun; and the Eight Precepts of the lay devotee.[4]
'Food' here refers to things like cooked grains; sweets
made from flour, beans, etc.; fish; meat; fresh milk and sour milk;...
fruits, tubers and all 'main course' foods. (See EV,II, pp.131-133)
When these staple foods go beyond their time limit
(i.e., after noon) a bhikkhu will incur an offence if he consumes them.
The original story shows the complications that can arise from leaving the
monastery at the wrong time:
The 'group-of-seventeen' bhikkhus -- another set of
frequent misdoers -- went out one afternoon to enjoy themselves at a
festival outside the city. When lay people saw them they gave them a meal
and food to take back to the monastery. The Buddha therefore laid down
this rule:
"Should any bhikkhu chew or consume staple or non-
staple food at the wrong time, it is [an offence of Confession.]" (Paac.
37; BMC p.362)
º This 'wrong time' is defined to be from noon
until dawn the following day.[80] A bhikkhu
is still at fault even if he genuinely miscalculates the time or mistakes
an item of 'food' for a 'medicine'. Therefore if donors are preparing food
for a bhikkhu they should be careful that they are not late in offering it
so that the meal can be finished before noon. It is also noteworthy that
an ill bhikkhu has no exemption from this rule so he likewise should not
take food in the afternoon.[81]
Any nutriment that a bhikkhu puts into his mouth is
classified in four groups, which specify the time limits during which he
can consume or store them:
-
(i) Food -- Limited from Dawn to Noon
(Yaavakaalika)
-
(ii) Fruit juices -- Limited to One Day
(Yaamakaalika)
-
(iii) Medicinal-tonics -- Limited to Seven Days
(Sattaahakaalika)
-
(iv) Other Medicines -- For All One's Life
(Yaavajiivika)
When different kinds of 'edibles' are mixed, their
category will usually change to that with the shortest life span. For
example, ginger can be used as a herbal 'lifetime' medicine for stomach
ailments. However, grated-ginger that has been used for food preparation
is classed as 'food' and therefore should not be kept overnight or used as
a medicine. Likewise, if honey is used as a solvent or base for herbal
medicines, because the honey has a seven-day limit, that lifetime (herbal)
medicine becomes a seven-day medicine.
º This is another reason that bhikkhus may be
careful about the ingredients of medicines that are offered. When offering
'medicines' the donor should try to be aware of what the bhikkhu considers
allowable and what will cause him to fall into offence.
We have already mentioned the bhikkhu's alms round and
his dependence on receiving food from lay supporters. But how is the gift
made and how is it properly received? This is accomplished in quite a
formal way yet it can still be confusing to lay devotees for different
monks receive an offering in slightly different ways.
The rule that explains about formally having to make an
offering to bhikkhus arose when a certain bhikkhu lived in a charnel
ground, wearing robes made from rags collected from there. He also
subsisted on the food left for 'departed spirits' by relatives of the dead
person. The lay people criticized him, wrongly suspecting he might also be
feeding on human flesh so the Buddha set down this rule:[82]
"Should a bhikkhu take into his mouth an edible
that has not been given -- except for water and tooth-cleaning sticks --
it is [an offence of Confession.]"(Paac. 40; BMC p.370)
"A monk who puts in his mouth, any nutriment,
which has not been proffered to him, commits [a Confession offence.]"
(Paac. 40; BBC p.127)
Present day practice regarding this rule (Paac.
40 above) varies so much because of the intricacy of interpretation.
However, usually, anything[83] that goes into
the mouth -- food or 'medicines' -- should be properly given. That means
it should be:
(a) given by means of the body, (e.g., given by
hand), or by something attached to the body, (e.g., a spoon),[84]
or by throwing, (e.g., tossing a lump of sticky rice into the bowl).
(b) given so that the donor and the bhikkhu are
(literally) within arms reach (1.25 metres) of each other.
(c) received by means of the body, (e.g., received in
the hand) or by something attached to the body, (e.g., the monk's bowl
or, in Thailand, the monk's receiving cloth).[85]
The Commentaries then further expand the details of the
correct way that food should be given:
(d) the offered food should not be so heavy that an
average size man cannot lift it.
In many communities this has led to the food having
to be literally lifted into the monk's hands or onto his receiving
cloth. The Commentary allows it to be slid along the floor or table into
the monk's hands.
(e) the donor must actually move the food (on a tray,
for example) towards the bhikkhu, (i.e., the bhikkhu does not reach out
for it first).
This has also been understood as meaning that the
donor makes a gesture (of respect) when making the offering. (This has
to be balanced with the Sekhiya Training rule where it is the
monk who should "be appreciative and attentive when receiving food".)
However, in the West, this gesture of respect may be taken according to
local custom. (See BMC p.375)
In some monasteries food is not considered properly
given if the lay person wears shoes or sandals when offering to a
barefooted bhikkhu. Also, in some communities, when properly offered food
is touched again or moved by lay people, even accidentally, it has to be
re-offered.
º The major point to remember is that in
offering food (or anything edible) to a monk there is a formal way of
doing so -- otherwise the bhikkhu may not be able to eat it. Once one gets
used to this interaction with the monk, it becomes quite a meaningful
gesture.
After formally receiving food, a bhikkhu is not allowed
to store it away for another day. This is another rule that supports the
mendicant ideal and the interdependence of monk and lay person, and stops
the bhikkhu from becoming attached to his favorite tastes.
The case originally arose when a monk coming back from
alms round would eat some food and then dry any remaining rice in the sun
to store for the next days' meals. In this way he did not have to go on an
alms round every day. It can be summarized:
"Eating food that a bhikkhu -- oneself or another
-- formally received on a previous day is [an offence of Confession.]"
(Paac. 38; BMC p.367)
After the daily meal -- often the monks of the
community will gather to share this -- all that day's excess food may be
distributed among whoever is present so that nothing is wasted or left
over.[86]
Lay people themselves are also allowed to deposit food
in the properly approved storeroom so that it can be offered to the monks
on another day. If the lay people store it there, the monks will not be
counted as having formally received it. (So the formal act of offering
also serves the purpose of determining whether food can be stored or not.)
It is traditional for lay devotees on special occasions
to invite bhikkhus to go and have a meal at their house. This is normally
a very straightforward matter and the bhikkhu(s) will explain if they are
able to go on that particular day. To show some aspects from the Buddha's
time, there are these rules:
º The origin of this first rule displays the
care that a bhikkhu should take when accepting such an invitation.
A poor workman was inspired to invite the Buddha and
all the bhikkhus of the town for a meal, and he insisted they still come
even when the Buddha cautioned him about the large number of monks
involved. Some bhikkhus assumed that he would not be able to afford very
much food so they first went on an alms round and ate beforehand.
Therefore when they came to go for the poor man's meal they could not eat
very much -- even though there was in fact plenty of food because other
people had helped to support the poor workman's faith by sending round
donations of food. The poor workman became upset saying, "How can you eat
elsewhere... am I not competent to give sufficient?"
The rule is summarized:
"Eating a meal[87]
before going to another meal to which one was invited, or accepting an
invitation to one meal and eating elsewhere instead, is [an offence of
Confession] except when one is ill or at the time of giving cloth or
making robes." (Paac. 33; BMC p.352)
º Should a bhikkhu seem somewhat reluctant to
accept your invitation, be aware that he may not be able to change his
acceptance of a previous invitation. There is, however, an allowance for
the bhikkhu to 'share' or transfer his invitation to another bhikkhu or
novice so that he can accept a new one. Even so, it is considered good
manners first to contact the original donors about this.
Another, rather obscure, rule about meal invitations
originated like this:
Ven. Devadatta attempted to take over the Sa"ngha and
then tried to kill the Buddha. The Sa"ngha informed the local inhabitants
about Ven. Devadatta's behavior so that it would not reflect on the
Sa"ngha as a whole. Ven. Devadatta then found alms so difficult to obtain
that he solicited alms -- "having asked and asked" -- (for all his group)
and the lay people criticized them for such unseemly conduct.
It seems that this rather enigmatic rule may forbid
bhikkhus from accepting an invitation to a 'group meal' of four or more
specified monks at a donor's house when the whole local community is not
invited -- as would have been more normal in the Buddha's days. This would
then have avoided the forming of cliques inside a community. (See BMC
p.342--348)
The Buddha therefore laid down that:
"Eating a meal to which four or more individual
bhikkhus have been specifically invited -- except on special occasions
-- is [an offence of Confession.]" (Summary Paac. 32; BMC p.348)
Another interpretation of this obscure rule requires
that bhikkhus
"... do not accept the invitations of those who
mention the names of the foods to be offered. The inviter who
understands this, makes invitation just in this way: "I invite you to
receive alms-food", or, "I invite you to take breakfast... or lunch". By
speaking in this way it is possible for bhikkhus to accept." (Paat. 1969
Ed.; p161)
º If the community lives by this second
interpretation, one should be careful when inviting bhikkhus for a meal
not to mention the specific food that one intends to offer.
In western countries vegetarianism has recently
increased in popularity and this has led to some questioning about
bhikkhus and meat-eating. (In less materially developed countries the
question is more about 'what, if anything, is there to eat?')
The question of monks' eating meat is an old one that
was originally raised by the 'renegade monk' Ven. Devadatta. He asked the
Buddha to prohibit bhikkhus from eating fish and flesh in what seems was a
ploy to take over the leadership of the Sangha. (The 'stricter ascetic'
tactic.) The Buddha had already made a strict rule for both bhikkhus and
lay people about not taking life (see Killing.)
so He did not agree to Ven. Devadatta's new formulation.
The Buddha did allow bhikkhus to eat meat and fish[88]
except under the following circumstances:
If a bhikkhu sees, hears or suspects that it has
been killed for him, he may not eat it.[89]
(M.I,369)
If a bhikkhu is given meat on alms round and he has no
knowledge about how the animal died[90] he
has to 'receive it with attentiveness'. (See the
Sekhiya Trainings.) He should be grateful and recollect that the
food he is given is what enables him to continue to live the bhikkhu life,
and that as a mendicant he is not in a position to choose what he gets. If
he later comes to know the family and they ask him about Dhamma, he will
be able to explain the precept about not killing. This may cause them to
reflect on their attitude to meat eating.
An individual lay person can choose whether to be a
vegetarian. Problems usually arise only when vegetarians want to impose
their choice on others, and as meal times are normally a family or shared
affair this can create tensions and misunderstandings.
An individual bhikkhu who lives on alms food cannot
make such choices. Often the donors are unknown -- perhaps not even
Buddhist, or just starting to find out about Dhamma -- and to refuse their
generosity may so offend them that they never have anything to do with
Dhamma again.
Finally it comes down to the lay people who go to the
market to buy food to give to the bhikkhus. If they are vegetarian
themselves or like to give vegetarian food, then the bhikkhu should
receive that food with 'appreciation' -- especially if it means that fewer
animals are being slaughtered. Nevertheless, it should not become a
political issue where other people are attacked for their behavior.
At the time of the Buddha, some lay people complained
that the monks had destroyed the 'life' in seeds. (See also about 'one-facultied
life', above.) Destroying seeds therefore became a minor (dukka.ta)
offence, and the monk had to ask the lay people whether they found it
'allowable' for him to eat certain fruits.
Fruits with seeds that can germinate and roots (bulbs,
tubers) that can be planted again should be made 'allowable' or kappiya
for bhikkhus. An unordained person can do this by touching it with fire,
by drawing a knife over it, or by marking it with a finger nail.
In some monasteries, there is a ceremony -- briefly
mentioned in the actual Vinaya but given in detail in the Commentaries --
where the lay person offering the fruit, makes it 'allowable' for the
bhikkhu to eat.[91] For example, this may be
done with an orange by slightly cutting the peel when the monk says,
"Kappiya.m karohi" ("Make this allowable") and answering him with,
"Kappiya.m Bhante" ("It is allowable, Ven. Sir."). If there are many
oranges, and if they are all together and touching, making one fruit
allowable makes them all allowable. (In other communities, if the donor
offers fruit already 'damaged' (e.g., peeled or cut) it is considered
already allowable.)
There is no need for this ceremony with seedless fruit,
with fruit if the seeds are unripe so that they cannot regenerate, and
with fruit offered already cut with all the seeds removed. Also, if the
bhikkhu carefully eats certain sorts of fruits -- for instance, mangoes,
jackfruit, plums, peaches, prunes, etc. -- without damaging the seed,
stone, pit or pips, there is no offence.
The following rule again shows the interdependence and
care which must be cultivated between bhikkhus and those who support them.
In the Buddha's time some ladies were ambushed and
raped on their way to give food to bhikkhus living in a dangerous jungle
area. Their family criticized the bhikkhus for not warning them of the
hazards. If lay people intend to give food to a bhikkhu(s) in such a
danger zone then they must announce that to the bhikkhu(s) beforehand so
that the bhikkhu(s) has a chance to warn them or reduce the threat. The
rule can be summarized:
"Eating an unannounced gift of staple or
non-staple food, after accepting it in a dangerous wilderness abode when
one is not ill is [an offence of Acknowledgement.]" (Paatidesaniya 4;
BMC p.488)
The above sections have dealt with food
(yaavakaalika) but as has been already mentioned fruit juices are
considered under a different category. (See above,
The Four Sorts of Edibles.) Although bhikkhus should not eat fruit
-- which is food -- after midday, they can drink the 'fruit juice' any
time throughout the day. However, they cannot store fruit juice beyond
that single day. This is called yaamakaalika and is a juice-drink
made from crushed fruit, which is then carefully strained of any pulp or
particles.[92] (The Vinayamukha
(EV) Commentary suggests that it could not be stored beyond the next
dawn because sugar mixed in with the fruit juice might lead to slight
fermentation.)
When offering fruit juice it is important that it is
well strained so that no pulp or fruit particles remain, for the fruit
itself counts as food and so cannot be consumed in the afternoon. Some
places in Thailand will strain the juice in a cloth filter seven times to
make sure, but the main point is that the filter is fine enough.[93]
"Juice drinks include the freshly squeezed juice
of sugar cane, lotus root, all fruits except grain, all leaves except
cooked vegetables, and all flowers except the [bassia latifolia]
(Mahaavagga.VI.35.6). According to the Commentary, the juice must be
strained, and may be warmed by sunlight but not heated over a fire."(BMC
p.339)
Some communities will not accept fruit juice made from
'large fruits':
"In discussing the Great Standards, the Commentary
says that grain is a "great fruit," and thus the juice of any one of
nine large fruits -- palmyra fruit, coconut, jack fruit, breadfruit,
bottle gourd, white gourd, musk melon, water melon, and squash -- would
fall under the same class as the juice of grain... From this judgment,
many Communities [in Thailand] infer that the juice of any large fruit,
such as pineapple or grapefruit, would also be classed as a non-staple
food [and therefore could not be consumed in the afternoon.]" (BMC
p.339)
We have dealt above with food and fruit juice. There is
now the category of 'tonic-medicines' (sattaahakaalika). These can
be consumed at any time but cannot be stored longer than seven days (after
they are offered).
These tonic-medicines were originally regulated when
Venerable Pilindavaccha's great feats of psychic power made him so famous
that he received many offerings of the five 'tonics'. Even though he
distributed these among other monks there was so much that the excess had
to be stored away and their dwellings were overrun by rats. Visiting lay
people criticized the monks for "storing up goods in abundance like a
king". The Buddha therefore set down this rule:
"Keeping any of the five tonics -- ghee, fresh
butter, oil, honey, or sugar/molasses -- for more than seven days is [an
offence of Confession with Forfeiture.] (Summarized Nis. Paac. 23; BMC
p.242)
º There are various translations and
interpretations about these 'tonic- medicines' -- according to different
Communities and different countries. Some places consider only liquids
allowable while a few communities will drink only plain water in the
afternoon. Some communities will not accept re-offered tonic-medicines
(after the seven days period is over), some will under certain
circumstances. Therefore lay devotees need to enquire about the practice
of their local Community and follow that way.[94]
Some contemporary observations:
"The five medicines -- ghee, navaniita.m, oil,
honey, and sugar-- -were allowed by the Buddha to be consumed by 'sick'
monks at any time of the day or night. According to the Mahaavagga,
these five were 'agreed upon as medicines and, although they served as
nutriment for people, were not considered as substantial food'. The
degree of infirmity required before a monk is allowed to consume these
[tonic-]medicines is a controversial point... It seems that feeling
rundown or feeling tired after physical exertion would be sufficient
cause to be able to make use of the Five Medicines."(AB)
"The main effectiveness of these medicines seems
to be in their nutritional value. They do not have medicinal value as
commonly understood today, for example, relieving pain or as an
antiseptic. However, as nutriment they would help to maintain bodily
strength and assist in recuperation while, since they are so rich, would
not be a substitute for normal food." (HS ch.10)
Also, if the tonic-medicine is mixed with a tiny amount
of food then it would be acceptable according to this allowance:
"...if sugar has a little flour mixed with it
simply to make it firmer -- as sometimes happens in sugar cubes and
blocks of palm sugar -- it is still classed as a tonic as it is still
regarded simply as 'sugar'." (BMC p.238--9)
If the flour is for more food-like reasons then it
would be counted as food. See also Mixing Edibles
above.
The fourth category of edibles (see
The Four Sorts of Edibles) is that of
Lifetime Medicines (yaavajiivika). which includes what we
generally think of as medicines.
The basic principle set down by the Buddha about all
medicines is in this reflection:
"Properly considering medicinal requisites for
curing the sick, I use them: simply to ward off any pains of illness
that have arisen, and for the maximum freedom from disease." [OP p. 47;
(Paali: M. I, 10; A. III, 387)]
In the beginning, the basic (herbal) medicines allowed
by the Buddha were those pickled in urine. Later, nearly all other types
came to be considered allowable.[95] (See the
separate allowance above for 'tonic-medicines'.)
Medicines that may be consumed without time limitation
are called yaavajiivika. The Texts mention different sorts of
herbal medicines such as: plant roots, e.g., ginger, turmeric, sweet flag,
etc.; decoctions, such as of the neem or nux-vomica; tree-leaves, such as
neem-leaves, tulsi or holy basil; fruits, such as long peppers, myrobalan,
wormwood; resins, such as asafoetida; salts, such as sea-salt, rock salt,
etc. Any other medicine or herbs similar to these that is not reckoned to
be food is included under this 'lifetime' category.[96]
º Modern western medicines are usually included
-- using the Great Standards -- under this category and therefore
can be taken at any time of the day and kept as long as necessary.
Finally, we turn to those 'substances of abuse' that
are entirely prohibited. The fifth of the Five Precepts[4]
for all Buddhists is restraint from drinking alcohol and similar
substances that destroy mindfulness, and are thereby a frequent cause of
unskillful actions and speech. The equivalent rule for bhikkhus is the
fifty-first Confession Rule:
"The drinking of alcohol or fermented liquors is
[an offence of Confession.]" (Paac. 51; BMC p.402)
The origin-story concerns Ven. Saagata who conquered a
fierce naaga -- a type of serpent with magical powers -- by his
meditation-developed psychic powers. The townspeople heard about this feat
and wanted to make some sort of offering to him, upon which the
'group-of-six' bhikkhus impudently suggested that they all should give him
alcohol. When he arrived on his almsround every household offered alcohol
and he finally collapsed, drunk, at the town gate and had to be carried
back to the monastery. He was laid down in a stupor with his head towards
the Buddha but in his drunkenness he turned around so that his feet
pointed at the Buddha.[97] The Buddha called
attention to his changed behavior, remarking that he certainly could not
oppose "even a salamander" in such a state.
The Buddha also said:
"Bhikkhus,... there are these four stains because
of which samanas and brahmans glow not, shine not, blaze not. What are
these four? Drinking alcoholic beverages... indulging in sexual
intercourse... accepting gold and money... obtaining requisites through
a wrong mode of livelihood." (A.II,53) (AB)
º The Four Great Standards may be further used[98]
to argue that using narcotics[99] -- which
also destroy mindfulness and lead to heedlessness -- would also be an
offence of Confession. Then there is the general principle of respecting
the 'law of the land' (when it accords with Dhamma) so such illegal drugs
would be disallowed anyway.
Stealing is universally condemned and is prohibited by
one of the basic Five Precepts[4] of any
Buddhist. For the bhikkhu it is covered by the heaviest penalty of Defeat,
being the second Paaraajika.
The rule was originally set down in the Lord Buddha's
time when Venerable Dhaniya, by deception, carried off some of the king's
timber to make himself a hut:
"A bhikkhu who takes something which the owner has
not given to him and which has a value of five maasaka [-'coins'] (or
more) [is Defeated]" (Summary Paar. 2; Nv p.5)
Or:
"The theft of anything worth 1/24 ounce troy of
gold or more is [an offence of Defeat.]" (Summary Paar. 2; BMC p.65)
'Defeat' means the absolute termination of the
perpetrator's bhikkhu-life so his stealing should be more than a petty
theft.[100] Therefore for this to be an
offence, the value of the stolen object must be such that, as it states in
the original: "kings... would banish him, saying... 'You are a
thief!"'. In modern America this is probably equivalent to 'grand
larceny'. (Petty theft is a grave offence (thullaccaya) or one of
wrong-doing.)
The bhikkhu must have an intention to steal for this to
be an offence. If an apparent theft happens without his knowledge or
connivance, or by mistake without any design on his part, it is no
offence. However, fraud, breach of trust, embezzlement, tax evasion,
smuggling, breach of copyright, etc., would be included under this rule.[101]
There are many other important rules covering how
bhikkhus deal with wealth and money.[102]
(It is also the tenth of the Ten Precepts for a novice (saama.nera)
or dasasiila mata nun.[4]) These came
to be set down because donations coming from a lay devotee's faith in
Dhamma might, on mis-occasion, lead to the corrupting of the bhikkhu-life.
Although these rules might seem relatively straightforward, there are
various interpretations and ways of actual practice. And the practice
often does not coincide with the theory. Yet it certainly remains a very
important aspect of Vinaya, guarding against forgetfulness of the real way
to happiness:
"Bhikkhus, in abandoning the use of money, make
real their abandonment of worldly pursuits and show others by example
that the struggle for wealth is not the true way to find happiness."
(BMC p.215)
The rule about a bhikkhu not accepting money came to be
made when Ven. Upananda went to visit his regular supporters on alms
round. The meat that had been set aside for him that morning had instead
been given to the family's hungry son. The householder wished to give
something else to make up for it and asked what he could offer to the
value of a kahaapana coin. Ven. Upananda inquired if he was making
a gift of a kahaapana coin to him, and then took the money away.
Lay people were disgusted with this, saying, "Just as we lay people accept
money, so too do these Buddhist monks!".
This Rule has been variously translated:
"Should any bhikkhu take gold and silver, or have
it taken, or consent to its being deposited (near him), it is to be
forfeited and confessed."(Nis. Paac. 18; BMC p.214)
"Should any bhikkhu pick up, or cause to be picked
up or consent to the deposit of gold or silver, this entails Confession
with Forfeiture." (Nis. Paac. 18; Paat. 1966 Ed. p.42)
"A monk, who accepts gold or money or gets another
to accept for him, or acquiesces in its being put near him, commits [an
offence requiring Confession with Forfeiture.]" (Nis. Paac. 18; BBC
p.116)
"If a bhikkhu himself receives gold and silver
(money) or gets someone else to receive it, or if he is glad about money
that is being kept for him, it is [an offence of Confession with
Forfeiture.]"(Nis. Paac. 18; Nv p.11)
º Note that there are some subtle differences in
the way that the rule is translated, especially in the last example.
According to the Commentary, there is 'no consent' if a
bhikkhu refuses to accept the money: by word -- telling the donor that it
is not proper to receive money; by deed -- gesturing to that effect; by
thought -- thinking that this is not proper. There may be a problem in
communicating this to the donors without causing them offence and without
the bhikkhu falling into offence himself.[103]
Many of the rules concerning money, etc., are those of
Confession with Forfeiture (Nissaggiya Paacittiya). This
means that the money or articles that are wrongly acquired have to be
forfeited. Furthermore, it is specified that they cannot be forfeited to a
single monk but must be given up to the Community -- who must then follow
a strict procedure for disposing of those gains.
In practice, this rule is understood by various
bhikkhus in different ways. This ranges from some monks who seek to
circumvent the rule completely by saying that "paper-money is just paper"
and therefore not 'gold and silver' (jaataruupa-rajata) and so
falls outside the rule; to the following more strict opinions:
The Paali term jaataruupa is defined as
'gold of any sort' and, while rajata is also 'silver' in other
contexts, here it is defined as maasaka (coins) of different
materials (copper, wood, lac) whatever is used in business, i.e., money.
"At present the term would include coins and paper
currency, but not checks, credit cards, bank drafts, or promissory
notes, as these -- on their own and without further identification of
the persons carrying them -- do not function as true currency." (BMC
p.215)
"The term jaataruupa-rajata refers firstly to
personal adornments (of gold and silver), secondly to ingots, thirdly to
ruupiya, which are for buying and selling, referring not only to gold
and silver but anything which can be used in this way. All the
above-mentioned things are included in this term. The phrase, 'be glad
at the money kept for him' [as in translation above] suggests that if it
is only cittuppaada (the coming into existence of a thought), he would
not [fall into an offence,] so it must refer to the action of receiving
it and holding the right over it." (Paat. 1969 Ed. p.158)
"For Laypeople: A lay-person should never offer
money directly to a bhikkhu... even if it is placed inside an envelope
or together with other requisites. They should either deposit the money
with the monastery steward, put it in a donation-box or into the
monastery bank account. They may then state their invitation to the
bhikkhu(s) regarding the kind or amount of requisite(s). In Thailand,
for example, knowledgeable lay-people would deposit money with the
steward and offer to the bhikkhu(s) an invitation note mentioning the
details of the offering." (HS ch.14)
º Under modern conditions things other than cash
also have to be considered. What about bhikkhus using checks or even
postage stamps or 'phone cards'?[104] What
is included in the rule and where does one draw the line? Different
communities will understand these rules in slightly different ways --
although probably all will find ordinary postage stamps acceptable! It
seems that although credit cards and checks do not quite function in the
same way as cash and therefore may not break that rule about accepting
money (Nis. Paac. 18), they would still fall under another offence.
(See below: Buying and Selling and
Barter or Trade.) Some modern opinions:
"At present the term ['gold and silver'] would
include coins and paper currency, but not checks, credit cards, bank
drafts, or promissory notes, as these -- on their own and without
further identification of the persons carrying them -- do not function
as true currency." (BMC p.215)
"Checks, credit cards and travelers checks are not
the same as money because [they are not] commonly negotiable, something
that one can take into almost any shop and, without any further
'ink-work' or paperwork, exchange it for whatever one
desires....[therefore] there is no offence for receiving or holding
these things. However, using checks, credit cards and travelers checks
or things similar would come under 'buying and selling' and the offences
listed under [Confession with Forfeiture] 19 and 20 would be likely to
arise." (AB)
"The offence [Nis. Paac. 20] is committed when the
bhikkhu hands the signed credit card receipt -- or has it handed -- to
the seller..." (BMC p.230)
º While money is an important commodity in the
world -- greed and selfishness are the actual 'root of evil' -- bhikkhus
should not be concerned with it. Therefore this again offers an essential
role for lay people. The bhikkhu stores no food but receives help from lay
people who do; the bhikkhu stores no money but receives support from lay
people who do. In fact this relationship is shown in this next allowance
from the Buddha's time when bhikkhus were journeying along a difficult
way. Food was difficult to find and He therefore allowed them to seek
provisions. He also made another allowance, saying:
"There are people of conviction and confidence,
bhikkhus, who place gold and silver in the hand of stewards, saying,
'Give the master whatever is allowable.' I allow you, bhikkhus to accept
whatever is allowable coming from that. But in no way at all do I say
that money is to be accepted or sought for." (BMC p.198)
"People who have good faith in bhikkhus may
entrust money (lit., silver and gold) into the hand of a [steward] and
order him to purchase allowable things for bhikkhus. Bhikkhus may be
glad at the allowable things bought by the steward with that money. This
is not regarded as being glad at that money. This is called the
[Me.n.daka Allowance.] Bhikkhus should not request suitable things from
the steward in excess of the money deposited with him." (EV,II,p.135)
This is a rule which explains more about the
relationship between the bhikkhu and the steward who is taking care of
funds for him.
In the original story, Ven. Upananda's steward had
received some money from a chief minister so that when Ven. Upananda
needed a robe he could be supplied with one. Ven. Upananda eventually
asked for a robe on the day when the steward had an important meeting that
everyone was obliged to attend or be penalized. Ven. Upananda refused to
wait and forced the steward to get the robe immediately so that the
steward came late to the meeting and suffered a penalty fine. Everyone
there agreed that, 'these monks are impatient and difficult to serve'.
Therefore the Buddha set down this rule:
"If someone sends money (valuables) for the
purpose of buying a robe for a bhikkhu and he (whoever brings the money)
wants to know who is acting as the bhikkhu's attendant
(veyyaavaccakara), and if the bhikkhu wants the robe he should indicate
someone connected with the monastery or an upasaka (lay devotee) saying:
"This person is the attendant of all the bhikkhus". When he (who brings
the money) has instructed the attendant and told the bhikkhu: "If you
want a robe, tell the attendant," then later that bhikkhu should go and
find the attendant, he may tell him: "I need a robe". If he does not get
it, he may ask up to three times in all. If he still does not get the
robe he may go and stand where the attendant can see him, up to six
times. If he does not get it and he asks more than three times or stands
more than six times, and then gets it, it is [an offence of Confession
with Forfeiture.]
"If after asking and standing the full amount he
does not get the robe he must go and tell whoever brought the money
saying: "That which you brought did not become available to me," and he
should also tell him to ask for his money back in case it should be
lost." (Nis. Paac. 10; Nv pp.9-10)
Or in Summary:
"When a fund has been set up with a steward
indicated by a bhikkhu: Obtaining an article from the fund as a result
of having prompted the steward more than the allowable number of times
is [an offence of Confession with Forfeiture.]" (Nis. Paac. 10; BMC
p.206)
º The 'robe-price' remains the donor's money but
in the keeping of the bhikkhu's steward.[105]
In practice, the 'robe-price' may be used for other allowable requisites.[106]
It is important for donors to check about the way of practice of the
particular bhikkhu(s) to whom they want to make an offering. Bhikkhus who
follow the Rule strictly will behave differently from those who are more
relaxed. The former will be very careful with their speech concerning the
acceptance of money and the intending donor has to make allowance for such
indirect talk.[107]
In the Buddha's time, the 'group-of-six' bhikkhus
engaged in buying and selling using money. Lay people seeing this, and
thinking all bhikkhus did the same, started to complain saying, 'How can
these Buddhist monks buy and sell using money, they are behaving just like
lay people who enjoy the pleasures of the senses'. The rule was then set
down:
"If a bhikkhu engages in buying and selling with
money (meaning whatever is used as money), it is [an offence of
Confession with Forfeiture.]"(Nis. Paac. 19; Nv p.11)
"Obtaining gold or money through trade is [an
offence of Confession with Forfeiture.]" (Summary of Nis. Paac. 19; BMC
p.225)
º Note that there the different interpretation
in the above translations.
According to the texts[108]
this would include investing money for a monetary return or even changing
money into another currency. (For the intricacies of this see BMC
p.213--230)
The rule about bhikkhus and bartering originated in the
Buddha's time like this:
Through fine sewing and dyeing, Ven. Upananda was
skilled at turning rags into attractive-looking robes. A wandering ascetic
wanted one such robe and offered to trade his own costly, quality robe for
the beautifully turned out rag-robe of Ven. Upananda. Ven. Upananda asked
him if he was really sure and then they agreed to the exchange. But later
the wandering ascetic changed his mind and went to Ven. Upananda to get
his good-quality robe back. Ven. Upananda refused to give it back. The
wandering ascetic became angry and said that even lay people returned
unsatisfactory bartered goods. Therefore, this ruling was made:
"Should any bhikkhu engage in various types of
trade, (the article obtained) must be forfeited and confessed." (Nis.
Paac. 20; BMC p.225)
In the Buddha's time a bhikkhu went to bathe in the
river and found a purse of money lost by a brahman. The owner returned
and, to escape having to pay the customary reward, pretended that some of
the money was suspiciously missing. The rule (Paac. 84) therefore
prohibits a bhikkhu from picking up lost valuables.
However, there is an exception to this rule. The
qualification is that if the bhikkhu finds valuables in the monastery or
in the place where he dwells, he is required (and falls into an offence if
he fails) to pick them up and keep them safe for the owner. This shows
that it is not the object as such that is the problem -- as if 'by not
touching it one is free of it' -- but the care one must take that one's
greed and attachment are not drawn in to contaminate the object, and that
one is not the victim of other people's greed.
The Commentary also prohibits bhikkhus from touching
unsuitable objects, which includes gold, silver, and valuable things.[109]
Shelter is the third of the Requisites (see
The Four Requisites.) The Buddha first suggested[110]
that the bhikkhu should normally stay at the root of a sheltering tree.
(His own Awakening took place at the foot of the Bodhi tree.) However,
later, when the Rains Retreat period became established and bhikkhus were
more settled after their wanderings through the forest, lodgings or
ku.tii came to be offered and built. (In fact, it then became a
requirement to stay in a more sheltered place during the three months of
the Rains Retreat.)[111]
The bhikkhu may also voluntarily take on the special
dhuta"nga (tudong) practices. These are more usually seen among
forest monks and are distinctive of their way of practice: for example,
they will delight in living in the forest, in the open, in caves, in the
cemetery or burning ground, and when staying in a monastery will be happy
to accept whatever lodging is offered.
Originally the ku.ti or lodging may not have
been much more than a hut with a plaster or earthen floor. Rules were
formulated as to their size and luxury. For example, the sixth
Sa"nghaadisesa Rule -- remember that this is the second most serious
category of rules requiring a formal meeting of the Community -- arose
when bhikkhus were having extravagant huts built for themselves. They had
no sponsors and were therefore begging materials from lay people,
"saying, again and again, 'Give me this, give me that..."'. The people
became burdened by all this begging and when they saw the bhikkhus, any
bhikkhus, coming they would run away and hide.
"Building a plastered hut -- or having it built --
without a sponsor, destined for one's own use, without having obtained
the Community's approval, is a [serious offence entailing meetings of
the Sangha.] Building a plastered hut -- or having it built -- without a
sponsor, destined for one's own use, exceeding the standard
measurements, is also a [serious offence entailing meetings of the
Sangha.](Summary Sa"ngh. 6; BMC p.128)
The Commentary explains that it must be quite a
permanent structure to come under this ruling. Depending on how long one
understands the ancient measure of the sugata-span to be, the
ku.ti or hut should not be more than approximately 3 by 1.75 metres.
(See BMC p.125) The commentarial tradition would put it three times
this size.
Bhikkhus are allowed to have a low bed on which to
sleep and a stool on which to sit in order to prevent dampness from the
earthen floor, but often where the lodgings are wooden floored (and in
tropical climates) the bhikkhu will sleep on the floor on an ordinary
sleeping mat. In cold climates this may have to be adjusted using the
Great Standards.
Avoiding 'high and luxurious beds' is also a feature of
the Eight Precepts[4] for lay people
temporarily living the celibate life.
The bhikkhu's life should be wholly preparing him to
gain insight into Dhamma. Only then will he have the wisdom to communicate
anything of real value to others when the time is appropriate and the
audience properly receptive. (A monk will usually wait for an invitation
to speak on Dhamma, so there is no question about him proselytizing.)
Teaching Dhamma, however, is not easy. If it is badly done, it can cause
more misunderstanding than understanding.
The fourth Confession Rule came to be set down when the
group-of-six monks taught Dhamma to lay people by rote, which caused the
lay followers to feel disrespect for the monks:
"If a bhikkhu teaches Dhamma to an unordained
person (one who is not a bhikkhu), repeating it together word by word,
it is [an offence of Confession.]" (Paac. 4; Nv p.14)
"To rehearse the Dhamma word by word... was the
method to teach others to memorize when there were no books. This method
was formerly used in (Thai) temples and popularly known by the name
'studying books in the evening'. The aim of prohibiting pronouncing
(Scripture) together is clearly shown in the original story of this
training-rule which was to prevent the pupils from looking down on the
teacher." (Paat. 1969 Ed. p.159)
Sixteen of the Sekhiya
Training rules set down how and to whom a bhikkhu should teach Dhamma.
These rules are also concerned with the etiquette of showing respect,
respect not only for the bhikkhu but more importantly for the Dhamma that
he is teaching. (The Great Standards would imply here that modern ways of
showing respect and disrespect would be similarly covered by these rules.)
These rules prohibit a bhikkhu from teaching anyone he considers to be
showing disrespect to the Dhamma. Here is a summary of these Sekhiya
Trainings:
"I will not teach Dhamma to someone who is not
sick but who:
-- has an umbrella; a wooden stick (club); weapon
in their hand.
-- is wearing (wooden-soled) sandals/shoes; is in
a vehicle; is on a bed (or couch); is sitting clasping the knees; has a
head wrapping (turban); whose head is covered; who is sitting on a seat
while I am sitting on the ground; who is sitting on a high seat while I
am sitting on a low seat; who is sitting while I am standing; who is
walking in front of me while I am walking behind; who is walking on a
pathway while I am walking beside the pathway." (Sekhiya 57-72; See BMC
pp.505-508)
How these rules are observed may diverge in different
communities. Some will strictly follow the above while others will be more
flexible according to modern conditions. As Venerable Brahmava"ngso
remarks:
"...These Sekhiyas ensure that one teaches Dhamma
only to an audience which shows respect. One may not expound from a
soapbox in the marketplace... to the indifference of passers by. However
it is common these days in the West for a seated audience, wearing their
shoes and maybe even a hat, to respectfully listen to a speaker standing
at a lectern... and as the audience is considered to be behaving
respectfully according to the prevailing norms there seems no reason why
a monk may not teach Dhamma in such a situation." (AB)
If a bhikkhu lies about his spiritual attainments, it
may be ground for the offence of 'Defeat'. The originating circumstances
for this Rule occurred during a famine when food was scarce and many
bhikkhus found alms food difficult to obtain. A group of these monks
devised a scheme where they told lay people of each other's attainments of
'superior human states', often deliberately lying to impress them. The
faithful lay people gave alms to such 'special' bhikkhus thinking that it
would bring greater merit so they and their families went without food in
order to feed those monks. Later, when the Buddha knew of this he rebuked
them and described them as the worst of the 'Five Great Thieves' --
immoral monks who obtain their alms food as a robber does. He set down:
"A bhikkhu who boasts of ['superior human
states',] which he has not in fact attained, commits [an offence of
Defeat.]" (Paar. 4; Nv p.5)
"Deliberately lying to another person that one has
attained a superior human state is [an offence of Defeat.]" (Summary
Paar. 4; BMC p.86)
The Commentary classes 'superior human states'
(uttarimanussadhamma) as either: meditative absorption (jhaana),
and certain psychic powers (abhiññaa) [112]
or the path and fruit leading up to Nibbaana.
A deliberate lie is normally an offence of Confession
(Paac. 1) but this deliberate false avowal of meditative attainment
is classed as the most serious 'Defeater' Offence. This shows how much
more damaging it was considered to be. When a 'guru-like' bhikkhu falsely
puts himself forward as enlightened, his lies can be destructive not only
to himself and his followers but to the whole of Buddhism.
"It may be hard to imagine in the present time why
falsely claiming superior human conditions should be judged so severely.
However, by reflecting that bhikkhus are totally dependent upon the
generosity and goodwill of believing lay people, one may be able to
appreciate the situation better. By falsely claiming high spiritual
attainments a bhikkhu is equivalent to a swindler or defrauder, but in
the worst way, since this involves spiritual fraud -- dealing with the
most precious and profound aspects of human existence."(HS ch.15)
A bhikkhu commits no offence when he has no intention
to make superior claims, even if it is wrongly understood or misconstrued
that way. If a bhikkhu is insane, psychotically believing his own
delusions of grandeur and making extravagant claims of his own
enlightenment, he receives exemption from any offence.[113]
The eighth Confession rule is closely connected with
this one of Defeat but there the 'announcement' is true. Even so,
indulging in such disclosures to lay people requires confession especially
when, as in the origin-story, a bhikkhu does so just to obtain more alms.
The Lord Buddha criticized the showing off of even genuine supernormal
attainments:
"To tell an unordained person of one's actual
superior human attainments is [an offence of Confession.]" (Rule
Summary, Paac. 8; BMC p.288)
A bhikkhu can teach in many ways, not just by speech.
There is the famous occasion mentioned in the Paali texts when the future
right-hand disciple of Buddha, Saariputta, first saw a bhikkhu going on
alms round:
"Saariputta the wanderer saw Ven. Assaji going for
alms in Raajagaha: gracious... his eyes downcast, his every movement
consummate. On seeing him, the thought occurred to him: 'Surely, of
those in this world who are arahants or have entered the path to
arahantship, this is one. What if I was to approach him and question
him... "(BMC p.490)
Ven. Assaji's countenance and demeanour were a
'teaching' so impressive that Saariputta went and became a bhikkhu and a
great arahant.
When a bhikkhu goes into a public place, he stands out
because of the robes he wears. Whatever he does is noticed and reflects
back on his community and the Sangha in general. As Venerable Thiradhammo
writes:
"The bhikkhu lifestyle is for the sole purpose of
realizing Nibbana. In striving towards this end, it was recognized that
certain kinds of behavior are detrimental, distracting or simply
unhelpful, and are also unsuitable for an alms-mendicant. Many kinds of
improper behavior are not actually immoral, but rather put energy in the
wrong direction or are expressions of a careless attitude. Some kinds of
behavior can lead to lay people's loss of faith, some are immature or
childish, some bad or ugly, and some, quite malicious or nasty." (HS
ch.17)
Therefore, there are a number of training rules to
remind the bhikkhu about correct deportment. The first twenty-six
Sekhiya Training rules cover proper behavior in public places. They
may also explain the sometimes seemingly antisocial behavior of a bhikkhu,
who may not look one in the face or immediately say a "Good Morning". Here
is a selection:
"When in inhabited areas, I will... wear the under
and upper robe properly; be properly covered; go well restrained as to
my movements; keep my eyes looking down; sit with little sound [of
voice]."
"When in inhabited areas, I will not... hitch up
my robes; go or sit laughing loudly; go or sit fidgeting; swing my arms;
shake my head; put my arms akimbo; cover my head with a cloth; walk on
tiptoe; sit clasping the knees." (See BMC pp. 490-494)
There is always an exception in the Sekhiya
Training Rules for "one who is ill" so that a bhikkhu may, for example,
cover his head when the weather is unbearably cold or the sun dangerously
hot. The same applies to footwear, which normally should not be worn in
inhabited areas.[114]
'Going out on the town' is not appropriate for bhikkhus
and is covered in several rules. The eighty-fifth Confession Rule,
describes how the 'group-of-six' monks went to the village in the
afternoon and sat around gossiping, so that lay people compared them to
householders. Going outside the monastery (other than on the morning alms
round) was therefore regulated with this rule:
"Entering a village, town, or city during the
period after noon until the following dawn, without having taken leave
of an available bhikkhu -- unless there is an emergency -- is [an
offence of Confession.] (Summary Paac. 85; BMC p.470)
Persons or places of 'wrong resort' for a bhikkhu are
divided into six sorts (EV,II,pp.178-180). These are spending too
much time socializing with 'unmarried women' -- widows and spinsters
(divorcees) or with bhikkhuniis. (See also the rules on
speaking with women.) 'Wrong resort' also includes
keeping company with sex-aberrants (pa.n.daka). with prostitutes,
and going to taverns.
A bhikkhu is prohibited from going to see and hear
dancing, singing, and music. (In modern circumstances this will also
concern films, videos, TV, etc.) This is similar to the Eight and Ten
Precepts.[4] (See EV,II,p.72)
"In the Buddha's time one could only hear music at
a live performance -- hence seeing singing and music. However, following
the Great Standards, it would seem appropriate to include contemporary
forms of entertainment such as dancing, singing and music on television,
videos, radios, tape-recorders and stereos. Most comprehensively, this
applies to seeing or hearing any kind of entertainment like a
'pleasure-enjoying householder'. Listening or seeing for education is
another matter." (HS ch.17)
Playful and wrong conduct (anaacaara) for a
bhikkhu is, for example, playing like a child with toys or games, etc.; or
making garlands of flowers, etc.
Bhikkhus are also prohibited from studying or speaking
on 'low animal-like knowledge' (tiracchaana-vijjaa).
"The explanation of [low animal-like knowledge]
seems to cover all general subjects which are not related to the Dhamma
of bhikkhus. [These are:] knowledge of enchantments making men and women
love each other; knowledge for making this or that person fall into
disaster; knowledge for using spirits or showing various kinds of magic;
knowledge of prediction, such as knowing beforehand lottery results;
knowledge leading to self-delusion, such as transmuting mercury to gain
the supernatural, as in the transmuting of silver and copper into gold.
"These knowledges are ['low animal-like
knowledge'] because they are knowledge of doubtful things which are
deceptive or deluding, not being true knowledge. A teacher of this is a
deceiver and a pupil is one who practices to deceive, or he is just a
foolish, deluded person." (EV,II,pp.120-121)
Wrong livelihood for a bhikkhu is divided into two:
One category concerns a bhikkhu searching for a living
in a way that is also considered wrong by worldly norms. For example,
robbing or deceiving others by claiming to be enlightened and receiving
gifts and support because of people's belief. (See
Robbery by False Pretences above)
The second category involves making a living that is
wrong according to the Vinaya. For example: begging or asking from an
unsuitable person or at an unsuitable time (see
Invitation); thinking to gain something by giving a little but
hoping for much in return; investing to gain interest; making a living by
trade, for instance, giving medical treatment for reward.[115]
Also to seek reward from:
"the ceremony for [chanting] paritta (verses of
protection), that is, making holy water and the sacred thread, the
blowing of a charmed formula onto a person by a bhikkhu is also
prohibited... It is allowed only to recite the paritta [protection
verses], but this also occurs later and is not found in the Paali
[texts]... [This is wrong livelihood and a] bhikkhu who seeks his living
in this way is called alajjii, 'one who has no shame'." (EV,II,p.129)
The very serious Sa"nghaadisesa Rule (requiring
formal meetings of the Community) of 'corrupting families'[116]
concerns the proper relationship that bhikkhus should develop with lay
followers.
It originated when two of the oft-transgressing
'group-of-six' monks neglected their Dhamma practice and behaved
improperly[117] in order to become popular
with lay people. The lay people came to enjoy the sociable, playful monks
so much that when more composed, right-practicing monks came by they were
considered snobbish and dull.
"If a bhikkhu corrupts families -- in other words
he flatters and fawns on lay people -- and other bhikkhus drive him away
from the monastery, and in return he criticizes them and if another
bhikkhu then tells him that he must not do this, but he will not listen,
a Sangha should recite the [formal admonishment] to induce him to
abandon this mode of behavior. If he does not abandon it, it [entails
initial and subsequent meetings of the Community]" (Sa"ngh. 13; Nv p.7)
A bhikkhu guilty of habitually indulging in these
practices (sometimes called 'vile and low conduct' or paapasamaacaara)
should be 'banished' from his particular Community until he reforms.
Of course, a bhikkhu may concern himself in lay
people's affairs if it relates to religious duties. Also:
"the business of one's mother and father, or of
persons who prepare to be ordained, called pa.n.dupalaasa (lit., yellow
leaves, ready to fall off the tree), or of one's own veyyaavaccakara
(steward, supporter, pupil) can be done by him even though these are
apart from religious duties." (EV,II,pp.121-122)
The relationship between the bhikkhu and his supporter
should be a very special one:
"...A bhikkhu who is complete in good conduct does
not lower himself to become the intimate of a family in the same way as
a lay man may do. He is not aggressive or destructive but shows a heart
of loving-kindness and conducts himself in a moderate way, thus causing
good faith and reverence to arise in them towards himself. He is then
called kulapasaadako (one in whom families have faith). He is the
splendor of the [Teaching]...
"Bhikkhus who are not strict lower themselves to
become vile men but bhikkhus who are over-strict are not interested in
showing [compassion] in helping householders in various ways."
(EV,II,pp.123-124)
A bhikkhu's wrong mode of livelihood also includes:
"running messages and errands for kings, ministers
of state, householders, etc. A modern example would be participating in
political campaigns." (BMC p.152)
The meaning of one of the Confession rules is uncertain
-- as can be seen by the different translations below -- but it might
explain why visiting bhikkhus may be reluctant to intrude into a family's
space.
The Forty-third Confession Rule (Paac. 43) arose
from Ven. Upananda's visit to a man and his wife who were sitting in their
bedroom together. The husband told his wife to give Ven. Upananda a meal
and when that was finished requested him to leave. The wife noticed that
her husband was becoming sexually excited, and not wishing to participate,
asked Ven. Upananda to stay. He stayed. This happened three times after
which the husband stormed out of the house indignant at Ven. Upananda's
behavior.
The Rule has been understood in rather different ways:
"Should any bhikkhu intrude upon and sit down in
(the bedroom of) a family with both persons, (the man and the wife,
present, one of whom does not agree to his remaining), it entails
Confession." (Paac. 43; Paat. 1969 Ed. p.163)
"To sit down intruding on a man and a woman in
their private quarters -- when one or both are sexually aroused, and
when another bhikkhu is not present -- is [an offence of Confession.]"
(Summary Paac. 43; BMC p.385)
"If a bhikkhu sits down, intruding on a family
while they are taking food, it is [an offence of Confession.]" (Paac.
43; NVp19)
"A monk who intrudes into and sits down in a house
where husband and wife are by themselves enjoying each other's company,
commits [an offence of Confession.]" (Paac. 43; BBC p.128)
When the Buddha went to reside at Ghositaaraama in the
city of Kosambi, he found a dispute had arisen between the bhikkhus there.
One group of monks under a 'Vinaya-expert' had accused the
'Dhamma-expounder' leader (of another group) of a minor wrong-doing
offence. The 'Dhamma-expounder' bhikkhu would not admit to this so
dissension arose between the two groups. (See also
Strictness and Blaming Others.) Even when the Lord Buddha pointed
out to both groups the dangers in this and how to put matters to right,
they still could not agree. So the Lord Buddha left them and went to
reside by himself in the Rakkhitavan Forest.
The lay people of Kosambi blamed the quarreling
bhikkhus for causing the Buddha to go away and in consequence they agreed
together not to pay respect to those bhikkhus. When the bhikkhus came to
their houses, they would not give alms food, desiring them to 'go away,
disrobe, or else return to the way of practice pleasing to the Lord
Buddha'. After this treatment, both groups of bhikkhus came to their
senses and agreed to see the Lord Buddha where the dispute was properly
resolved. (See EV,III,p.129)
A set of formal procedures are set down to resolve
disputes within the Community. They are summarized in the
Adhikara.nasamatha 'rules', the last seven of the 227 Rules of the
Paa.timokkha. (See Appendix B, Communal Harmony)
For an outsider, one of the most notable features of
Buddhism is the number and diversity of Buddhist schools. When disputes
(such as that described above) are left unresolved there is a tendency for
the formation of nikaaya or 'schools', which are passed on through
'ordination lineage' to future generations of bhikkhus. Historically, as
Buddhism spread over Asia,[118] the
practice of local Communities gradually adapted to new circumstances. The
originally slight divergences grew so that today not only do we have the
major Schools of the 'South' (Theravaada) and the 'North'
(Mahayaana, Tibetan), and 'East' (Mahayaana, Ch'an,
Son, Zen, etc.) but also myriad minor local differences.
"Coming down to later times, when the different
groups became established in places foreign to the original lands, those
two [schools] became very far apart both in the texts and in the
language for chanting, all the way to garments and customs -- just
compare for instance, Vietnamese monks with Thai monks." (EV,III,p.230)
"[In the Theravaada School,] this reached the
point where the intonations used in speaking Paali [language] differed:
such as ours in Thailand, those in Sri Lanka, Burma and the Mons, for
example. Each group holds that their way is better than that of the
other groups. Even though they have contact with each other, they are
not united as a single group, and minor [schools] arise out of them,
determined according to nationality...
"In these national [schools] some [schools] would
thrive at certain times, until other [schools] would take them as a
model to be followed... [by] some bhikkhus requesting entry to their
group by taking new ordination or re-ordination... A [school] which
takes the methods of another [school] will make further differences in
its methods until they are a separate [school]. These call themselves by
names different from the nationality, such as our [Thai] Mahaa-nikaaya
and Dhammayuttika-nikaaya; the Burmese Culaga.n.thii and Mahaaga.n.thii.
[One no longer finds these names, now there are the Sudhamma Nikaaya
(the largest group), the Shwegyin Nikaaya and the small Dvaara Nikaaya];
and the Upaaliva.msa, Marammaava.msa and Raamaññava.msa of Sri Lanka.
(Now more frequently known as Siam Nikaaya, Amarapura Nikaaya, and
Raamañña Nikaaya.)" (EV,III,pp.230-231)
There seems to be a natural tendency for the more
strictly practicing Communities to attract more lay respect and therefore
more lay support -- including more material support.[119]
However, as 'luxuries tend to become necessities' there is often a
corresponding decline in Vinaya practice.
The next stage seems to be that when the Vinaya
practice has deteriorated into laxness, a group of monks will
spontaneously be attracted to going back to higher standards and will go
and live at a monastery together to put that into effect, eventually
forming a new group or nikaaya. This stricter practice attracts lay
support, and that forces the more lax communities to reform their ways.
And then as standards decline...
Another way that the local Vinaya practice is
rejuvenated is by the import of strictly practicing monks from elsewhere
to form a model community. For example, Sri Lankan monks were invited to
Siam more than five hundred years ago, and some centuries later Thai monks
were themselves invited back to Sri Lanka after the local Sa"ngha had died
out.
Inviting foreign monks to reform the local practice was
often at the instigation of the Buddhist king and seemed to have worked
quite well. However, attempts by central authorities to forcibly rejoin
their own local schools (nikaayas) of monks have seldom been
successful, especially as Buddhism has never favored the use of violence
in religious suppression. What often happens is that instead of merging
two nikaayas into one, it forces another sect to form. Then there
are three -- the two original plus a new combined sect. This is probably
because the Sa"ngha is a local community structure that is oriented to the
wider Sa"ngha of bhikkhus by the Vinaya. Thus the Vinaya, rather than any
central authority, is what brings groups together.
The Buddha allowed several ways of showing respect to
others 'for the beauty and good of the community (of both monks and lay
people)'. These include:
vandanaa -- bowing or 'showing reverence with
the five points', i.e., the forehead, two forearms, and the two knees[120]
|
![[sketch of person bowing]](vbowing.gif) |
|
Vandanaa Thai-style.
Note that the male and female movements start and finish slightly
differently. |
u.t.thaana -- standing up to welcome[121]
añjalii -- joining the palms together in
respect
saamiicikamma, any other ways of showing
respect that are beautiful and good. (See EV,II,p.78)
Another ancient way of showing respect is
circumambulation or walking around the object of veneration three times in
a clockwise direction -- so that one's right shoulder is towards, for
example, the cetiya, bodhi tree or pagoda.[122]
In many parts of Asia it is considered extremely rude
to point one's feet at anyone[123] or any
religious object.[122] An example, is
found in the Confession Rule 51 (Paac. 51)
where a highly gifted bhikkhu is made drunk and in his stupor turns and
points his feet at the Buddha.
Bhikkhus use these ways of etiquette to show respect to
those who have been bhikkhus for longer than themselves, irrespective of
their actual age.[124] A 'younger' bhikkhu
may call another bhikkhu, "Bhante", ("Venerable Sir" or "Reverend
Sir"), and, similarly, a lay person may use this as a general form of
address to bhikkhus. Each country will have its own way of addressing
older, more senior bhikkhus appropriate to their age and experience. (See
below.)
During his ordination, the bhikkhu-candidate is asked
formally for his name. His Preceptor (usually) will have given him a
Paali name and this is what he will use. However, later, on less
formal occasions, he may be addressed differently. This variety of terms
of address can be quite confusing for outsiders. For example, in Thailand,
the monk will more often use his given name (from before his ordination)
with an honorific preceding it appropriate to his monk's seniority and
rank.[125] The Paali name, and title
if any, would be added on more formal occasions. I understand that in Sri
Lanka, and sometimes in Burma, it is the bhikkhu's place of origin or
residence that may be prefixed to his Paali name.
Some monks may use the description Bhikkhu before their
Paali name (Bhikkhu X) while others will use it as a suffix
(X Bhikkhu). If they are more than ten years in the robe they may
use Thera (Elder) and if very senior Mahaathera. (See also
Becoming a Bhikkhu.)
There are many other titles and ranks for senior
bhikkhus. The king (in Thailand) or government often confer these in
recognition of service or administrative ability. When administration of
all the bhikkhus of the country is subsumed under central government
departments, it may then be divided up into regions and districts under
the supervision of the local senior 'respectable' monks. However,
underlying all of this is the Vinaya Rule that still guides the
traditional ways of the bhikkhu life, without class or privilege, and it
remains the foundation for continued Dhamma practice as it has done for
the last twenty-five centuries.
º Probably the most universally acceptable form
of address for any bhikkhu is "Bhante" or "Venerable Sir."
Anyone, of any religion or none, can appreciate these
fundamental, practical guidelines about actions and speech suggested by
the Buddha. When we are mindful enough to realize that we have a choice
about our actions and speech, these Precepts are there to help answer
questions of, "What should I do, what should I say?" They are practical
and down to earth without requiring one to promise first to believe in
anything supernatural. Like the lane markings on the highway, they help
speed one on one's journey without colliding with any other travelers or
going completely off the road. The Precepts mark the straightforward way
of living that harms or hurts no one, while offering one the choice to
transform one's life through growing mindfulness into perfect virtue,
wisdom and compassion.
The Five Precepts form one of the essential elements of
following the Lord Buddha's Way. Undertaking these Precepts (and 'Going
for Refuge') are often the first formal affirmation of a new Buddhist.
This is normally done by repeating after a monk these phrases (in Paali):
"I undertake the training precept:
1) to abstain from taking life.
2) to abstain from taking what is not given.
3) to abstain from sexual misconduct.
4) to abstain from false speech.
5) to abstain from intoxicants causing heedlessness."
The Five can then be refined into the Eight Precepts:
"I undertake the training precept:
1) to abstain from taking life.
2) to abstain from taking what is not given.
3) to abstain from unchastity.
4) to abstain from false speech.
5) to abstain from intoxicants causing heedlessness.
6)to abstain from untimely eating.
7) to abstain from dancing, singing, music and unseemly shows, from
wearing garlands, smartening with scents, and beautifying with
perfumes.
8) to abstain from the use of high and large luxurious couches."
In the West, the Sabbath -- either Saturday or Sunday
-- has been normally the special religious observance day of the week. In
Buddhism, which continues to follow the traditional lunar calendar,[126]
the day set apart for special religious observance is the fortnightly day
of the full and new moons, with the quarter moon days in between.[127]
These full and new-moon days, called Uposatha Days, are when the
bhikkhus gather to listen to a recitation of their Paa.timokkha
Rule.
The weekly observance day on the quarter-moon day is
when lay devotees gather in the local monastery to observe precepts more
strictly and listen to and speak about Dhamma. The basic, minimum standard
of precepts for practicing lay Buddhists is the Five Precepts. (Such lay
people who are following the Buddha's Teaching are know as upaasaka (male)
and upaasikaa (female)).[128] However, on
the Observance day (or other special occasion), they may decide to train
under the Eight Precepts, which brings them closer to how the monk or nun
practices.[129]
The novice (saama.nera) has Ten Precepts, as
does the dasasiila mata nun. These are the same Eight as above,
however the seventh precept is split into two and an extra tenth precept
is added. Thus:
1) to abstain from taking life.
2) to abstain from taking what is not given.
3) to abstain from unchastity.
4) to abstain from false speech.
5) to abstain from intoxicants causing heedlessness.
6) to abstain from untimely eating.
7) to abstain from dancing, singing, music and unseemly shows.
8) to abstain from wearing garlands, smartening with scents, and
beautifying with perfumes.
9) to abstain from the use of high and large luxurious couches.
10) to abstain from accepting gold and silver (money).
º This book has been mostly focused on those of
the 227 Paa.timokkha Rules that are of concern to the lay devotee.
Here we will include a summary of most of the remaining rules taken from
Venerable Thanissaro's Introduction to the Paa.timokkha Rules,
where he grouped the rules into these categories:
Right Speech
![[go up]](scrollup.gif)
Making an unfounded charge to a bhikkhu that he has
committed a paaraajika offence, in hopes of having him disrobed, is
a sa"nghaadisesa offence. [Sa"ngh.8]
Distorting the evidence while accusing a bhikkhu of
having committed a paaraajika offence, in hopes of having him
disrobed, is a sa"nghaadisesa offence. [Sa"ngh.9]
Making an unfounded charge to a bhikkhu -- or getting
someone else to make the charge to him -- that he is guilty of a
sa"nghaadisesa offence is a paacittiya offence. [Paac.76]
Tale-bearing among bhikkhus, in hopes of winning favor
or causing a rift, is a paacittiya offence. [Paac.3]
An insult made with malicious intent to another bhikkhu
is a paacittiya offence. [Paac.2]
Right Action
...Intentionally causing oneself to emit semen, or
getting someone else to cause one to emit semen -- except during a dream
-- is a sa"nghaadisesa offence. [Sa"ngha.1]...
Having given another bhikkhu a robe on a condition and
then -- angry and displeased -- snatching it back or having it snatched
back is a nissaggiya paacittiya offence. [Nis. Paac. 25]
Making use of cloth or a bowl stored under shared
ownership -- unless the shared ownership has been rescinded or one is
taking the item on trust -- is a paacittiya offence. [Paac. 59]
Right Livelihood
Keeping a piece of robe-cloth for more than ten days
without determining it for use or placing it under dual ownership --
except when the end-of-vassa or ka.thina privileges are in
effect -- is a nissaggiya paacittiya offence. [Nis. Paac.1]
Being in a separate zone from any of one's three robes at dawn -- except
when the end-of-vassa or ka.thina privileges are in effect,
or one has received formal authorization from the Community -- is a
nissaggiya paacittiya offence. [Nis. Paac.2]
Keeping out-of-season cloth for more than 30 days when
it is not enough to make a requisite and one has expectation for more --
except when the end-of- vassa and ka.thina privileges are in
effect -- is a nissaggiya paacittiya offence. [Nis. Paac.3]...
When two or more lay people who are not one's relatives
are planning to get separate robes for one, but have yet to ask one what
kind of robe one wants: Receiving a robe from them after asking them to
pool their funds to get one robe -- out of a desire for something fine --
is a nissaggiya paacittiya offence. [Nis. Paac.9]
Making a felt blanket/rug with silk mixed in it for
one's own use -- or having it made -- is a nissaggiya paacittiya
offence. [Nis. Paac.11]
Making a felt blanket/rug entirely of black wool for
one's own use -- or having it made -- is a nissaggiya paacittiya
offence. [Nis. Paac.12]
Making a felt blanket/rug that is more than one-half
black wool for one's own use -- or having it made -- is a nissaggiya
paacittiya offence. [Nis. Paac.13]
Unless one has received authorization to do so from the
Community, making a felt blanket/rug for one's own use -- or having it
made -- less than six years after one's last one was made is a
nissaggiya paacittiya offence. [Nis. Paac.14] Making a felt
sitting rug for one's own use -- or having it made -- without
incorporating a one-span piece of old felt is a nissaggiya paacittiya
offence. [Nis. Paac.15]
Seeking and receiving a rains-bathing cloth before the
fourth month of the hot season is a nissaggiya paacittiya offence.
Using a rains-bathing cloth before the last two weeks of the fourth month
of the hot season is also a nissaggiya paacittiya offence. [Nis.
Paac.24]...
Keeping robe cloth offered in urgency past the end of
the robe season after having accepted it during the last eleven days of
the Rains Retreat is a nissaggiya paacittiya offence. [Nis.
Paac.28]...
Making use of an unmarked robe is a paacittiya
offence. [Paac.58]
Acquiring an overly large sitting cloth after making it
-- or having it made -- for one's own use is a paacittiya offence
requiring that one cut the cloth down to size before confessing the
offence. [Paac.89]
Acquiring an overly large skin-eruption covering cloth
after making it -- or having it made -- for one's own use is a
paacittiya offence requiring that one cut the cloth down to size
before confessing the offence. [Paac.90]
Acquiring an overly large rains-bathing cloth after
making it -- or having it made -- for one's own use is a paacittiya
offence requiring that one cut the cloth down to size before confessing
the offence. [Paac.91]
Acquiring an overly large robe after making it -- or
having it made -- for one's own use is a paacittiya offence
requiring that one cut the robe down to size before confessing the
offence. [Paac.92]
Food
Eating food obtained from the same public alms center
two days running, unless one is too ill to leave the center, is a
paacittiya offence. [Paac.31]...
Accepting more than three bowlfuls of food that the
donors prepared for their own use as presents or for provisions for a
journey is a paacittiya offence. [Paac.34]
Eating staple or non-staple food, after accepting it --
when one is neither ill nor invited -- at the home of a family formally
designated as "in training," is a patidesaniya offence. [Pat. 3]...
Lodgings
When a bhikkhu is building or repairing a large
dwelling for his own use, using resources donated by another, he may not
reinforce the window or door frames with more than three layers of roofing
material or plaster. To exceed this is a paacittiya offence. [Paac.19]
Acquiring a bed or bench with legs longer than eight
Sugata fingerbreadths after making it -- or having it made -- for one's
own use is a paacittiya offence requiring that one cut the legs
down before confessing the offence. [Paac.87]
Acquiring a bed or bench stuffed with cotton down after
making it -- or having it made -- for one's own use is a paacittiya
offence requiring that one remove the stuffing before confessing the
offence. [Paac.88]...
Bowls and other requisites
Carrying wool that has not been made into cloth or yarn
for more than three leagues is a nissaggiya paacittiya offence. [Nis.
Paac.16]
Keeping an alms bowl for more than ten days without
determining it for use or placing it under dual ownership is a
nissaggiya paacittiya offence. [Nis. Paac.21]
Acquiring a needle box made of ivory, bone or horn
after making it -- or having it made -- for one's own use is a
paacittiya offence requiring that one break the box before confessing
the offence. [Nis. Paac.86]
To persist in one's attempts at a schism, after the
third announcement of a formal rebuke in a meeting of the Community, is a
sa"nghaadisesa offence. [Sa"ngh. 10]
To persist in supporting a potential schismatic, after
the third announcement of a formal rebuke in a meeting of the Community,
is a sa"nghaadisesa offence. [Sa"ngh. 11]
To persist in being difficult to admonish, after the
third announcement of a formal rebuke in the Community, is a
sa"nghaadisesa offence. [Sa"ngh. 12]
To persist -- after the third announcement of a formal
rebuke in the Community -- in criticizing an act of banishment performed
against oneself is a sa"nghaadisesa offence. [Sa"ngh. 13]...
Telling an unordained person of another bhikkhu's
serious offence -- unless one is authorized by the Community to do so --
is a paacittiya offence. [Paac. 9]
Persistently replying evasively or keeping silent when
being questioned in a meeting of the Community in order to conceal one's
own offences -- after a formal charge of evasiveness or uncooperativeness
has been brought against one -- is a paacittiya offence. [Paac.
12]
If a Community official is innocent of prejudice,
criticizing him within earshot of another bhikkhu is a paacittiya
offence. [Paac. 13]
When one has set a bed, bench, mattress or stool
belonging to the Community out in the open: Leaving its immediate vicinity
without putting it away or arranging to have it put away is a
paacittiya offence. [Paac. 14]
When one has spread bedding out in a dwelling belonging
to the Community: Departing from the monastery without putting it away or
arranging to have it put away is a paacittiya offence. [Paac. 15]
Encroaching on another bhikkhu's sleeping or sitting
place in a dwelling belonging to the Community, with the sole purpose of
making him uncomfortable and forcing him to leave, is a paacittiya
offence. [Paac. 16]
Causing a bhikkhu to be evicted from a dwelling
belonging to the Community -- when one's primary motive is anger -- is a
paacittiya offence. [Paac. 17]
Sitting or lying down on a bed or bench with detachable
legs on an unplanked loft in a dwelling belonging to the Community, is a
paacittiya offence. [Paac. 18]
Deliberately tricking another bhikkhu into breaking
Paacittiya 35, in hopes of finding fault with him, is a paacittiya
offence. [Paac. 36]
Speaking or acting disrespectfully when being
admonished by another bhikkhu for a breach of the training rules is a
paacittiya offence. [Paac. 54]
Agitating to reopen an issue, knowing that it was
properly dealt with, is a paacittiya offence. [Paac. 63]
Not informing other bhikkhus of a serious offence that
one knows another bhikkhu has committed -- either out of a desire to
protect him from having to undergo the penalty, or to protect him from the
jeering remarks of other bhikkhus -- is a paacittiya offence. [Paac.
64]
Acting as the preceptor in the ordination of a person
one knows to be less than 20 years old is a paacittiya offence. [Paac.
65]
Refusing to give up the wrong view that there is
nothing wrong in intentionally transgressing the Buddha's ordinances --
after the third announcement of a formal rebuke in a meeting of the
Community -- is a paacittiya offence. [Paac. 68]
Consorting, joining in communion or lying down under
the same roof with a bhikkhu who has been suspended and not been restored
-- knowing that such is the case -- is a paacittiya offence. [Paac.
69]
Supporting, receiving services from, consorting or
lying down under the same roof with an expelled novice -- knowing that he
has been expelled -- is a paacittiya offence. [Paac. 70]
Saying something as a ploy to excuse oneself from
training under a training rule when being admonished by another bhikkhu
for a breach of the rule is a paacittiya offence. [Paac. 71]
Criticizing the discipline in the presence of another
bhikkhu, in hopes of preventing its study, is a paacittiya offence.
[Paac. 72]
Using half-truths to deceive others into believing that
one is ignorant of the rules in the Patimokkha, after one has already
heard the Patimokkha in full three times, and a formal act exposing one's
deceit has been brought against one, is a paacittiya offence. [Paac.
73]
Giving a blow to another bhikkhu, when motivated by
anger, is a paacittiya offence. [Paac. 74]
Making a threatening gesture against another bhikkhu
when motivated by anger is a paacittiya offence. [Paac. 75]
Saying to another bhikkhu that he may have broken a
rule unknowingly, simply for the purpose of causing him anxiety, is a
paacittiya offence. [Paac. 77]
Eavesdropping on bhikkhus involved in an argument over
an issue -- with the intention of using what they say against them -- is a
paacittiya offence. [Paac. 78]
Complaining about a formal act of the Community to
which one gave one's consent -- if one knows that the act was carried out
in accordance with the rule -- is a paacittiya offence. [Paac.
79]
Getting up and leaving a meeting of the Community in
the midst of a valid formal act -- without having first given one's
consent to the act, and with the intention of invalidating it -- is a
paacittiya offence. [Paac. 80]
After participating in a formal act of the Community
giving robe-cloth to a Community official: Complaining that the Community
acted out of favoritism is a paacittiya offence. [Paac. 81]
When the Community is dealing formally with an issue,
the full Community must be present, as must all the individuals involved
in the issue; the proceedings must follow the patterns set out in the
Dhamma and Vinaya. [Adhikarana samatha 1]
If the Community unanimously believes that a bhikkhu is
innocent of a charge made against him, they may declare him innocent on
the basis of his memory of the events. [Adhikarana samatha 2]
If the Community unanimously believes that a bhikkhu
was insane while committing offences against the rules, they may absolve
him of any responsibility for the offences. [Adhikarana samatha 3]
If a bhikkhu commits an offence, he should willingly
undergo the appropriate penalty in line with what he actually did and the
actual seriousness of the offence. [Adhikarana samatha 4]
If an important dispute cannot be settled by a
unanimous decision, it should be submitted to a vote. The opinion of the
majority, if in accordance with the Dhamma and Vinaya, is then considered
decisive. [Adhikarana samatha 5]
If a bhikkhu admits to an offence only after being
interrogated in a formal meeting, the Community should carry out an act of
censure against him, rescinding it only when he has mended his ways. [Adhikarana
samatha 6]
If, in the course of a dispute, both sides act in ways
unworthy of contemplatives, and the sorting out of the penalties would
only prolong the dispute, the Community as a whole may make a blanket
confession of its light offences. [Adhikarana samatha 7]
The Etiquette of a Contemplative
... Handing food or medicine to a mendicant ordained
outside of Buddhism is a paacittiya offence. [Paac. 41]
When on almsround with another bhikkhu: Sending him
back so that he won't witness any misconduct one is planning to indulge in
is a paacittiya offence. [Paac. 42]...
Watching a field army -- or similar large military
force -- on active duty, unless there is a suitable reason, is a
paacittiya offence. [Paac. 48]
Staying more than three consecutive nights with an army
on active duty -- even when one has a suitable reason to be there -- is a
paacittiya offence. [Paac. 49]
Going to a battlefield, a roll call, an array of the
troops in battle formation or to see a review of the battle units while
one is staying with an army is a paacittiya offence. [Paac. 50]...
Tickling another bhikkhu is a paacittiya
offence. [Paac. 52]
Jumping and swimming in the water for fun is a
paacittiya offence. [Paac. 53]
Attempting to frighten another bhikkhu is a
paacittiya offence. [Paac. 55]
Lighting a fire to warm oneself -- or having it lit --
when one does not need the warmth for one's health is a paacittiya
offence. [Paac. 56]
Bathing more frequently than once a fortnight when
residing in the middle Ganges Valley, except on certain occasions, is a
paacittiya offence. [Paac. 57]
Hiding another bhikkhu's bowl, robe, sitting cloth,
needle case or belt -- or having it hid -- either as a joke or with the
purpose of annoying him, is a paacittiya offence. [Paac. 60]
Traveling by arrangement with a group of thieves from
one village to another -- knowing that they are thieves -- is a
paacittiya offence. [Paac. 66]
Eating alms food
When eating, a bhikkhu should:
-
eat his food methodically, from one side of the bowl
to the other.
-
eat bean curry only in proper proportion to the rice.
-
level his rice before eating from it.
-
refrain from throwing away -- in an inhabited area --
bowl-rinsing water that has grains of rice in it. [Sekhiya]
This appendix[130] is
for those people who are interested in the Paali language and the
pronunciation of the various Paali words found in this book.
The Paali alphabet is made up of forty-one
letters. These are divided into eight vowels, thirty-two consonants, and
one pure nasal sound called niggahita [the .m].
The Vowels
a as in about aa as in father
i as in hit ii as in machine
u as in pull uu as in rule
e as in grey o as in hole
The Consonants
k as in king kh as in backhand
g as in gone gh as in log-head
"n as in sing
c as in ancient
ch as in check
j as in joy
jh is an aspirated j
ñ as ny in canyon
.t is (something like) a nasalized t
.th is an aspirated .t
.d is (something like) a nasalized d
.dh is an aspirated .d
.n is (something like) a nasalized n
t as in stop
th as in Thames (never as in the English the)
d as in dog
dh is an aspirated d
n as in name
p as in spot
ph as in upholstery (never as in the English photo)
b as in bat
bh is an aspirated b
m as in mother
y as in yes
ay as in Aye!
r as in run
l as in long
v as w in wine
s as in sun
h as in hot
.l as in felt
.m as ng in sang
The dentals t and d are pronounced with
the tip of the tongue placed against the front upper teeth
The aspirates kh, gh , .th ,
.dh , th , dh , ph , bh , are pronounced
with an h sound immediately following; e.g., in blockhead,
pighead, cat-head, log- head, etc., where the h
in each is combined with the preceding consonant in pronunciation.
This appendix illustrates how the bhikkhu's rules are
actually practiced in different monasteries and communities. Each example
is taken from the community's own guide or from devotees' experience.
(1) Australia: Bodhinyana Monastery
A Lay Buddhist's Guide to the Monks' Code of Conduct[131]
... A bhikkhu must have all eatables and drinkables
(including medicines) except plain water, formally offered into his hands
or placed on or into something in direct contact with his hands. In order
to prevent contact with a woman, he will generally set down a cloth to
receive things offered by a lady...... In the Forest Tradition of which
our resident monks are a part, milk is considered to be a food, as are
malted drinks such as Ovaltine and Milo, so none of these would be allowed
outside the proper times.
In accordance with the discipline a bhikkhu is
prohibited from eating fruit or vegetables containing fertile seeds. So
when offering such things, a lay person can either remove the seeds, or
make the fruit allowable by slightly damaging it with a knife. This is
done by piercing the fruit and saying at the same time "kappiya.m
bhante" (meaning "I make this allowable, sir.").
It is instructive to note that rather than limiting
what can be offered, the Vinaya lays emphasis on the mode of offering. It
regards the proper way of offering as being when the lay person approaches
within a forearm's distance of the bhikkhu, has a respectful manner (so
for example, one would try to be lower than the bhikkhu) and is offering
something that a bhikkhu can manage to carry(!). All this serves to make
the act of offering a mindful and reflective one irrespective of what one
is giving -- and allows great joy to arise...
Forest bhikkhus generally make their own robes from the
cloth that is given. Plain white cotton is always useful (it can be dyed
to the correct dull ochre) or worsted for the thicker robe (Sanghati). In
a cold climate, the basic 'triple robe' of the Buddha is supplemented with
sweaters, beanies, socks, etc., and these, of an appropriate brown color,
can also be offered...
The bhikkhu's precepts do not allow him to sleep more
than three nights with an unordained male, and not even to lie down in the
same room with a female. In providing a temporary room for a night one
need not provide a great deal of furniture, a simple spare room that is
private is adequate...
A bhikkhu is allowed to use medicines if they are
offered in the same way as food. Once offered, neither food nor medicine
should be handled again by a lay person, as that renders it no longer
allowable. Medicines can be considered as those things that are
specifically for illness; those things that have a tonic or reviving
quality (such as tea or sugar); and certain items which have a nutritional
value in times of debilitation, hunger or fatigue (such as cheese, miso
soup).
There are different limitations regarding the amount of
time that a bhikkhu can store such 'medicines':
One day allowance: Filtered fruit juice (i.e., free of
pulp) of any fruit smaller than an average fist. These juices are allowed
to be received and drunk any time between one dawn and the dawn of the
next day -- this time-limit prevents the danger of fermentation.
Seven day allowance: Ghee, animal or vegetable oil,
honey, any kind of sugar (including molasses) and cheese can be kept and
consumed any time up to the dawn of the eighth day after which they were
received.
'Lifetime' allowance: Pharmaceutical medicines,
vitamins; plant roots such as ginger, ginseng; herbal decoctions such as
camomile; beverages such as tea, coffee and cocoa...
At no time does the monk request food. This principle
should be borne in mind when offering food -- rather than asking a monk
what he would like, it is better to ask if you can offer some food.
Considering that the meal will be the one meal of the day, offer what
seems right recognizing that the bhikkhu will take what he needs and leave
the rest. A good way to offer is to bring bowls of food to the bhikkhu and
let him choose what he needs from each bowl.
One can also make an invitation, 'pavarana', to
cover any circumstances that you might not be aware of -- a health
problem, need for a toothbrush, etc., by saying, "Bhante, if you are in
need of any medicine or requisites, please let me know". To avoid
misunderstanding it is better to be quite specific, such as -- "Bhante, if
you need any more food..." "If you need a new pair of sandals...". Unless
specified an invitation can only be accepted for up to four months after
which time it lapses unless renewed. Specifying the time limit, or giving
some indication of the scope of the offering is good, in order to prevent
misunderstanding -- so that, for instance, when you are intending to offer
some fruit juice, the bhikkhu doesn't get the impression you want to buy a
washing machine for the monastery!...
In practical terms, monasteries are financially
controlled by lay stewards, who then make open invitation for the Sangha
to ask for what they need, under the direction of the Abbot. So junior
monks even have to ask an appointed agent (generally a senior bhikkhu or
abbot) if they may take up the steward's offer -- to pay for dental
treatment, obtain footwear or medicines, for example. This means that as
far as is reasonably possible, the donations that are given to the
stewards to support the Sangha are not wasted on unnecessary whims.
If a lay person wishes to give to a particular bhikkhu,
but is uncertain of what he needs, he should make invitation. Any
financial donations should not be made to 'X Bhikkhu' but to the stewards
of the monastery, perhaps mentioning if it's for a particular item or for
the needs of a certain bhikkhu. For items such as traveling expenses,
money can be given to an accompanying anagarika (dressed in white)
or accompanying lay person, who can buy tickets, drinks for the journey,
or anything else that the bhikkhu may need at that time. It is quite a
good training for a lay person to actually consider what items are
necessary, and offer those rather than money...
Bhikkhus should have a male present who can understand
what is being said when conversing with a lady, and a similar situation
holds true for nuns...
So to prevent such misunderstandings -- however
groundless -- a bhikkhu has to be accompanied by a man whenever in the
presence of a woman -- on a journey or sitting alone in a secluded place
(one would not call a meditation hall or a bus station a secluded place).
Generally, bhikkhus would also refrain from carrying on correspondence
with women, other than for matters pertaining to the monastery, travel
arrangements, providing basic information, etc., When teaching Dhamma,
even in a letter, it is easy for inspiration and compassion to turn into
attachment...
Accordingly for a Dhamma talk, it is good to set up a
room where the teachings can be listened to with respect being shown to
the speaker. In terms of etiquette -- graceful conversation rather than
rude -- this means affording the speaker a seat that is higher than his
audience, not pointing one's feet at the speaker, removing headgear when
listening to the talk, and not interrupting the speaker. Questions are
welcome at the end of the talk.
Also as a sign of respect, when inviting a bhikkhu, it
is usual for the person making the invitation to also make the travel
arrangements -- directly or indirectly...
Lay people may be interested in applying [these]
conventions [of etiquette] for their own training in sensitivity, but it
should not be considered as something that is necessarily expected of
them.
Firstly, there is the custom of bowing to the shrine or
teacher. This is done when first entering their presence or when taking
leave. Done gracefully at the appropriate time, this is a beautiful
gesture that honors the person who does it; at an inappropriate time, done
compulsively, it appears foolish. Another common gesture of respect is to
place the hands so that the palms are touching, the fingers pointing
upwards, and the hands held immediately in front of the chest. The gesture
of raising the hands to the slightly lowered forehead is called 'añjalii'.
This is a pleasant means of greeting, bidding farewell, saluting the end
of a Dhamma talk, concluding an offering.
Body language is something that is well understood in
Asian countries. Apart from the obvious reminder to sit up for a Dhamma
talk rather than loll or recline on the floor, one shows a manner of
deference by ducking slightly if having to walk between a bhikkhu and the
person he is speaking to. Similarly, one would not stand looming over a
bhikkhu to talk to him or offer him something, but rather approach him at
the level at which he is sitting.
(2) New Zealand: Bodhinyanarama Monastery
Advice for Guests[132]
... The Abbot is usually addressed as "Ajahn", which
comes from the Thai, and means "Teacher". Other monks can be addressed as
"Venerable", or the Thai equivalent "Tahn". These designations may or may
not be followed by the ordained name of the individual. Alternatively, any
monk can be called "Bhante", a more general term. In this tradition it is
considered impolite to refer to monks by their ordained names without the
appropriate honorific preceding it...
The Precepts: The Community at Bodhinyanarama is bound
by the monastic code of conduct, the basis of which is formalized into the
following eight precepts:
1. Harmlessness: not intentionally taking the life of
any living creature.
2. Trustworthiness: not taking anything which is not given.
3. Chastity: refraining from any sexual activity.
4. Right Speech: avoiding false, abusive or malicious speech.
5. Sobriety: not taking any intoxicating drink or drug.
6. Renunciation: not eating after midday.
7. Restraint: refraining from attending games and shows, and from
self-adornment. (Guests are asked to dress modestly, and not to play
radios, musical tapes or instruments.)
8. Alertness: to refrain from overindulgence in sleep.
These are intended as a means of promoting harmony
within the community and as a framework for contemplation. Guests are
requested to undertake these precepts wholeheartedly for the insight they
offer, and out of consideration for everyone else in the community...
1. Take special care to dress and act with modesty
(seventh precept). In a place where chastity is observed, it is fitting to
tone down the attractive qualities of personal appearance and behavior.
When in the company of a monk, nun or novice, keep in mind that their
discipline prohibits physical contact with members of the opposite sex.
2. The property of the monastery has come from
someone's generosity to the Sangha and guests are asked to treat it
respectfully. Personal belongings should be kept tidy, particularly in
spaces that are being used communally. If anything needs repair, replacing
or refilling, please let the guest master know.
3. A monastery is a sanctuary from the usual worldly
concerns, for those who have dedicated themselves to spiritual practice.
As guests are sharing in this life as visitors, it is not appropriate to
come and go without notice, or to engage in external business during their
stay...
(3) Thailand: Wat Pah Nanachat
Observances[133]
... Laymen are expected to wear white or light colored
clothing during their stay... Men bathe at the wells and are asked not to
bathe naked, but to use a bathing cloth or swimming trunks and not to walk
bare chested in public areas of the Wat.
Women are expected to wear all white or white blouses
and black skirts...
If talking with senior monks, particularly the teacher,
find a convenient time and place. Senior monks should be addressed as
"Ajahn", others as "Tahn" and novices as "Nayn". These designations may or
may not be followed by the Pali name of the individual. It is considered
impolite to refer to ordained people by their Pali names without the
appropriate honorific preceding it...
Thai culture has an extensive etiquette and varied
social customs -- stemming largely from the monks' Code of Discipline --
governing many aspects of physical behavior, comprising a form of rules
for proper body language. Most apparent are the gestures of respect used
within a monastic community which help to open the heart, compose the mind
and encourage a sense of kindness to others. These forms of courtesy help
to develop a sensitivity towards the others to whom one relates on a daily
basis and reduce the number of upsets arising through inconsiderate or
aggressive behavior...
[Añjalii] is a customary gesture used by Thais
greeting others and also during the time one is speaking with a monk. Also
known in Thai as the wai, it consists of raising the hands to the
chest, palms together. The gesture is also used after offering something
to or receiving something from an ordained person.
...The formal bow or grahp is another frequently
used formality, being an excellent means of expressing respect for the
Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha and for cultivating humility. Always bow before
sitting down in the sala, Bot or Abbot's kuti. At the
end of the meetings and when getting up either after the drink or from
conversing with a monk, remember to bow three times...
In all postures try and be aware of where the body is
in relation to a monk, especially if he is teaching Dhamma. When walking
with a monk, it is customary for lay-people to walk a little behind,
rather than immediately at his side. If a lay person has occasion to pass
in front of a monk who is seated, it is polite to stoop.
If a monk is sitting, lay people should squat or sit
down before addressing him; it is considered improper for lay people to be
on a higher level when speaking with a monk. The Buddha instructed monks
not to teach Dhamma to one who is unprepared or showing disrespect
(allowances being made for those in poor health). When sitting and
receiving a talk or conversing with a monk it is customary to sit in the
pup-piap position -- one leg bent in front, the other folded at the
side. Sitting with the arms clasped around knees is improper. If sitting
on a chair, sit attentively and erect...
It is inappropriate to lie down in the sala or
sit with one's feet outstretched towards a Buddha image or monk...
Be careful not to touch food or medicines already
offered without first informing a monk...
Eating should be done in silence and without a lot of
scraping and banging of utensils or making unnecessary mess. One should
not eat or drink standing up.
After midday, all members of the community should
refrain from partaking of any food, including drinks containing milk,
cereals, eggs, etc., or any kind of soup. There are certain 'medicines'
allowable for consumption under the Vinaya. These include: fruit juice
(uncooked and strained), soft drinks, butter and ghee, vegetable oil,
honey and molasses (including sugar), tea, coffee, cocoa and herbal
drinks. Such medicines are kept separately and offered as needed...
Visitors should be aware of the proper mode of conduct
for men and women within the setting of a forest monastery. They should be
aware that some behavior, quite acceptable and normal enough for
foreigners, is open to misinterpretation by the Thai community, whose
standards naturally differ.
Complete segregation of the sexes is mandatory at all
times. No men should enter the women's lodgings (or vice versa) without
permission from the Abbot. If any contact is necessary, it should be done
through the Abbot. Laymen should be careful in the kitchen not to get too
close to laywomen, especially Thais.
Women are asked to be discreet and respectful when
relating to monks, maintaining an even greater distance than with laymen.
Take the Thai laywomen as examples in the proper way to behave with monks,
such as perhaps kneeling down or squatting if conversing with a monk.
Women should be aware that it is an offence against his
discipline if a monk touches a woman. If offering something to a monk
either place it in his bowl or on his special receiving cloth -- never
directly into his hands. Male visitors should be aware that women with
shaved heads may prefer not to hand anything to or receive anything
directly from you. Put it down first and let the other person pick it up.
Women must be careful entering rooms (such as the library) where a monk
might be present; it is an offence for a monk to be alone with a woman in
a closed room.
(4) Advice from a Western Woman Visiting a Thai Forest
Monastery
You will find [at the forest monastery] that locker
space is provided for your food (you must not take anything edible out of
the kitchen area) and there is usually a thermos of ice cubes, an ice box
for perishables, there's a shower room and toilet. You wash your clothes
by the well pump -- not from the rain water tanks! There is no electricity
so you will need a torch and plenty of candles and a good lighter or
matches.
Ask for a place to put your valuables in a 'lock up'.
You will be shown where you are to stay which is in a separate area of the
monastery away from where the monks stay. However, please remember to
dress suitably. The lay women on eight precepts wear white tops and
black-wrap over skirts. If you are not going to keep the full eight it
does not matter much what you wear as long as it is modest and the colors
are muted.
You are provided with a mosquito net, blankets and
pillow and pillow case. (But don't just take anything until you are sure
it has been made available to you.) I also take anti-mosquito cream,
antiseptic wipes, bandaids, tissue, cold water washing powder, soap,
prickly heat powder. Torch (flash light), 'flip-flops (slip-on sandals),
sleeping bag sheet, towel, and such like.
'Allowables' for the afternoon include: butterscotch,
boiled sweets, dark chocolate, cheese, tea or coffee. ('Ovaltine', soy
milk and coffee whiteners are not allowed in the afternoon at this Wat.)
It is customary to bow three times when one sees one's
teachers and when one goes to the main hall (sala). If you notice
what the Thais do you will soon get the hang of it. You will probably feel
rather lost for the first 24 hours but then with patience and mindfulness
everything should come together. The Thais -- and especially one's
teachers -- are so good and generous to us that I feel it's important not
to offend them.
In the afternoon (or evening) there is usually a chance
to listen to a Dhamma talk. In the morning one can prepare food to offer
to the monks and to share with one's fellow meditators. The rest of the
day one can work out a meditation routine which suits one.
Most people make a donation -- there is no charge at
all -- before they leave. Tan Acharn (the abbot) doesn't like people to
give more than they can afford. You must find out exactly how to do it.
(5) Auckland Vihara Suggested Practice[134]
-
If you meet the monk in the shrine room or inside the
house show your respect before you start your discussion. When you
leave, please do the same.
-
When the monk is giving a sermon, please do not
interrupt until question time. Avoid walking in and out of the room
while the sermon is in progress.
-
Please do not engage in frivolous talk or shake hands
with the monk. When speaking to the monk always be polite and never
raise your voice.
-
Do not point the feet or your back towards the monk.
This is considered disrespectful.
-
Unless you are serving a meal out of a dish, always
offer anything with both hands. Do not leave it in front of a monk
without offering it.
-
Another person should always accompany a female
person when going to see the monk. Even when providing transport for the
monk a male person should always accompany a female person and the
female person should not sit next to the monk.
-
Lay people should not have their meals in front of
the monk, and they should eat only after the monk has finished his meal.
-
Please do not disturb the monk when he is resting or
meditating. Please remember that monks also need to rest and therefore
do not engage in lengthy discussions. Preferably, ask for permission
before your discussion.
-
Please do not run about inside the temple. Parents
should ensure that children behave well. The temple is a sacred place
and at all times people should behave in a calm and quiet manner.
-
Please do not wear shoes, caps or hats inside the
shrine room. If you are talking to the monk please remove your hat.
A Woman's View
Standard of clothing for women: Clothes should not be
too revealing such as shorts, miniskirt, low-cut or sleeveless garments.
Breast feeding is not appropriate in the presence of a
monk or even in the same room.
It is not respectful to stretch out one's legs when
seated, or point them in the direction of the monk or Buddha Statue.
People should not stand and talk to a monk when he is
seated.
The norms of good manners should be observed, e.g.,
people should not talk and laugh loudly or make a noise when the monk is
talking to someone in the same room.
Women should not have a private conversation with a
monk or be alone in the same room without a male person being present.
(6) A Thai Wat in Australia[135]
The Correct Things to do When Offering
General hints, Observances
A bhikkhu(s) should be approached respectfully by the
person offering daana, who should always try to maintain a bodily
position lower than that of the bhikkhu.
The person making the offering should be shoeless,
modestly dressed (see note below) and should have a generally respectful
demeanour towards the bhikkhu(s).
As with any greeting or approach to a bhikkhu, the
person offering daana should pay respects in the normal way by
bowing three times -- once for each of the Triple Gem.
If in doubt as to how to proceed beyond this basic
approach other experienced members of the lay community or the bhikkhu(s)
themselves are sure to be able to offer helpful directions.
As a general rule, one does not speak to a bhikkhu
while offering daana, unless the bhikkhu initiates some
conversation.
To move with mindfulness and perhaps a bit more slowly
than usual lessens the likelihood of mishaps.
Remember, the best way of learning and of keeping out
of potentially embarrassing situations is to seek guidance from others
present or, if there is a language barrier, to follow the example of those
around you. But remember, too, that rules for men and women are very
different so make sure you are following the example of a member of the
same gender!
It is very important for everyone to always maintain a
respectful distance from the bhikkhus, the Sangha.
Offering food
The two most common situations for offering daana
in the form of food is when a line of bhikkhus is seated on a dais
accepting daana, or when a line of bhikkhus is on alms round
(pindabat).
On the Dais
In this situation the lay person should join the line
of people making offerings, if there is one. If they are offering singly,
then the procedure is basically the same.
The person making the offering should kneel once they
are sufficiently close enough to the bhikkhu(s), and signal their intent
to offer food, drink, etc., by holding the item above them and to their
forehead, at the same time mindfully recollecting the inner purpose for
the offering.
The usual order is to offer plain cooked rice first,
followed by other dishes. In this way a person may offer several times.
Food is placed with care into the alms bowl, beginning
with the most senior bhikkhu and then proceeding down the line (usually
from left to right when facing the seated line).
Once the offering has been made, the person should move
back and away while still facing the bhikkhus and maintaining a low
position. They might also, at this stage, repeat the respectful greeting
of bowing three times.
It is very important to maintain a respectful distance
and to place the food carefully and gently in the center of the bowl
without touching or interfering with it in any way.
After all the offerings have been made, the bhikkhus
will chant and then have their meal.
When the bhikkhus have finished arranging their meal,
it is usual for the most senior bhikkhu to lead the others in the blessing
chanting for the lay community gathered. The most senior bhikkhu will then
indicate that the lay people can now eat.
On alms round
When offering food to a line of monks making an alms
round, it is important to be well prepared and ready in position somewhere
along their round before they arrive so as not to delay them on their
round.
Wait quietly, using the time to reflect on the meaning
of the action about to take place.
The food should be kept well off the ground and shoes
should be removed in readiness.
When the bhikkhus are seen to be approaching, the
person should kneel and hold the food above their head in an offering
position and reflect on the meaning of the action about to take place.
Once the bhikkhu stops, the person should stand and
place a portion of the food into the open alms bowl that the bhikkhu will
be silently offering while maintaining a position lower than that of the
bhikkhu (this is most easily achieved by slightly bending the knees and/or
bending from the waist). If the bowl is full, the lid of the bowl might be
offered.
It is very important to maintain a respectful distance
and to place the food carefully and gently in the center of the bowl
without touching or interfering with it in any way.
Kneel again and repeat the procedure until daana has
been offered to all the bhikkhus.
Once the line moves away, it might be appropriate to
pay respects in the usual way.
Offering daana other than food
Women
When a lay woman wishes to offer a bhikkhu some kind of
daana other than food, (e.g., books, beverages, medicines) the first step
is to approach the seated bhikkhu respectfully in the manner outlined
above, pay respects, and let him know that you would like to make the
offering, indicating exactly what the nature of the offering is. (In this
way the bhikkhu can circumvent any inadvertently inappropriate offering.)
The bhikkhu will place down a piece of cloth and the
person can then move forward and carefully place the offering on it.
The person should then pay respects again and move back
a little. As with food offerings, shoes should be removed, and a low
position in relation to the bhikkhu should be maintained.
Men
Lay men can follow the above procedure also, except
that the item offered can be handed directly to the bhikkhu.
Ways of Relating to Monks
General
When visiting bhikkhus the lay person should pay
respects to them in the usual way by bowing three times to each of the
bhikkhus present in the order of their ordination if this is known.
The lay person can then assume a natural, comfortable
seated position a little back from, and, if possible, lower than the
bhikkhu. The only thing to remember here is that, if health permits, feet
should be tucked under and away as it is not polite to point feet directly
at a bhikkhu (or, in fact, any Thai person).
When addressing a bhikkhu it is usual to place both
hands together at chest height when talking to him, or when he is replying
-- especially when he is expounding dhamma. Apart from indicating respect
for the Sangha, this action helps with general mindfulness. If seeking
advice or a dhamma explanation from a bhikkhu, a lay person would allow
for spaciousness in a conversation, i.e., allow for pauses in the
conversation before the bhikkhu speaks or replies.
Although tempting, it is a good idea not to get caught
up in conversations about worldly matters with either the bhikkhus or with
other lay people when sitting in the presence of the Sangha.
Lay women especially have to exercise great mindfulness
when in the presence of the Sangha. If, for example, a lay woman finds
herself left alone in the presence of a bhikkhu, e.g., other friends have
moved away or left, the most appropriate thing to do is to pay respects to
that bhikkhu and leave.
When walking in the company of bhikkhus lay people
should walk a little behind, but still within speaking distance.
A lay person would not stand too close to a bhikkhu
when he is standing. It is better to move a small distance away and assume
a squatting position, if it feels comfortable to do this.
Paying respects
While not compulsory in any way, to pay respects in the
traditional way to either a Buddha image or the Sangha is the most basic
sign of a lay person's respect for the Triple Gem. It is also an excellent
exercise in mindfulness. To learn the correct and most graceful way to
execute this action, it is usually easiest to follow the example of an
experienced lay person or the bhikkhus themselves who also must pay
respects to Buddha images or more senior bhikkhus.
Dress
When visiting a Wat or temple, it is good to be mindful
about the type of clothing one wears -- just as when going to a church or
sacred building of any kind.
Dress for both men and women should be modest and
unrevealing, and excessive ornamentation should be avoided.
Lay women especially should pay attention to what they
wear, avoiding things like sheer fabrics; low necklines; sleeveless tops.
Serious practitioners will consider not wearing perfume, make-up or
jewellery as well.
1. Vinaya has been translated
as 'Discipline' in the complete translation of six volumes (The Book of
the Discipline) by the Pali Text Society. Literally it means leading
away ('discipline by leading away faults') and covers the bhikkhu's bodily
and verbal actions as he extricates himself from suffering. (See also
BA p.34) [Go back]
2. In this work I have used
bhikkhu and monk interchangeably. [Go back]
3. See Appendix
B for a summary of most of the other Paa.timokkha Rules. [Go
back]
4. See Appendix
A. See also An Introduction to Buddhism, pp. 196-212 [Go
back]
5. Uposatha, see
Appendix A [Go back]
6. The Mahaaparinibbaana
Sutta (DN II, 156) reports that the Lord Buddha told Venerable
AAnanda that the Sangha could abolish the minor rules after his Final
Passing Away. However, the Council held soon afterwards decided that
leaving well enough alone was safer and so did not change anything, mainly
because Ven. AAnanda had failed to ask what these 'minor rules' were. This
conservative approach right from the beginning enabled the original
Teachings to be preserved.
(See also Beginnings: The Pali Suttas by
Samanera Bodhesako, Wheel Publication No. 313-315) [Go back]
7. "Buddhism is the
world-renouncing religion par excellence and the source, one suspects, of
all monasticism as it developed in other religions based on quite
different 'theological' foundations, notably Christianity and Islam."
from Oxford professor R.C. Zaehner's Foreword to The Origin and The
Early Development of Buddhist Monachism. [Go back]
8. Paali is the ancient
Indian language (akin to Sanskrit) in which all the Theravaadin Buddhist
Scriptures have been preserved. (See also Appendix C.)
[Go back]
9. "In the Buddha's time,
the style of clothing of one gone forth and that of a householder were
very similar -- a cloth around the waist and one across the shoulders...
The only difference would be in the color, that is, ochre for one gone
forth." (HS ch.8) [Go back]
10. See
Glossary. [Go back]
11. He keeps the Eight
Precepts, shaves his head and wears white robes. [Go back]
12. These are the Guidelines
that determine how a rule is applied under changed circumstances. See
Modernization? The Great Standards. [Go
back]
13. Someone has calculated
that at this time the most-distant Theravaadin bhikkhus are in Iceland to
the North and New Zealand to the South. [Go back]
14. Sometimes this is on the
weekly Observance Day (see Uposatha,
Appendix A), sometimes when spending longer periods at a monastery. In
some places this forms a preliminary stage to becoming a bhikkhu. For
example, at some monasteries in England, a candidate usually has to live
under Eight Precepts and wear white as an anagarika (homeless one)
before he will be considered for ordination. [Go back]
15. Samantapaasaadikaa I,
102; See Vinaya in Theravada Temples in the United States. [Go
back]
16. See OP pp.13-17 [Go
back]
17. The Going-forth into
the Homeless Life is sometimes rendered by the English word
'ordination'. Whatever that word's connotations, it is still an easy
shorthand. [Go back]
18. "One under 15 years of
age, unless he can scare crows (i.e., is mature) should not be given the
pabbajaa for becoming a saama.nera (Vin.I,79). After receiving their
parent's consent (Vin.I,83), they were to shave their head and beard, put
on the ochre robe and, paying respects to the bhikkhu, receive the Three
Refuges and the Ten Training Precepts." (HS ch.19) [Go
back]
19. "To qualify for
Acceptance a candidate must also have the necessary robes, bowl and a
preceptor. When the Acceptance procedure was finalized, the candidate was
formally asked if he was free of the various obstacles to
qualification,... as well as being a human, a man, at least 20 years of
age, having parent's consent and complete as to robes and bowl. He was
further asked to state his own name and that of his Preceptor." (HS
ch.19) [Go back]
20. OP pp.17-24 [Go
back]
21. This is the Admonition
(Anusaasana), which always includes an explanation of the four
Offences of Defeat (sexual-intercourse, theft, murder and falsely claiming
supernormal powers) together with the four supports or basic requisites
(almsfood, robes made from thrown away cloth, lodging at the foot of a
tree, medicine of fermented urine). [Go back]
22. "... even though he has
knowledge of Dhamma and Vinaya, yet it is not proper if he does not take
[dependence] nissaya and live under the control of his [preceptor] or
[teacher]. For him not to live in this way is prohibited by the Buddha."
(EV,II,p.52) [Go back]
23. "He is one who has
faith, shame, fear of evil, effort, and mindfulness; He is complete with
moral precepts, good conduct, right view, deep learning and wisdom; He
knows what is [an offence], what is not [an offence], what is a light
[offence], what is a heavy [offence], and he has memorized correctly the
Paa.timokkha without any mistakes; He has five or more Rains."
(EV,II,p.53) [Go back]
24. "He himself can nurse,
or order to nurse, a sick [dependent monk]. He can put an end to, or seek
another to put an end to, passion arisen in a [dependent monk] who is
dissatisfied with the [holy life of a monk]. He can relieve boredom with
the Dhamma-path which has arisen for a [dependent monk], or get another to
do so. He knows [offences] and the ways out of [offences]; He can train a
[dependent monk] in the highest training in proper conduct and give advice
to [him] on the principal training in the pure life, the Buddha-law which
is essential for the [holy life]. He can give progressive advice in the
Dhamma and Vinaya. He can release a [dependent monk] from the wrong view
by way of Dhamma; He has ten Rains or more than that." (EV,II,p.53)
"It seems that these principles are not for the
bhikkhu to consider for himself. It is for the consideration of his
[preceptor] or teacher or of an Elder who is his senior, whether it is
proper or not for a bhikkhu who lives with them to be released and to stay
alone, and whether a bhikkhu who is released from [dependence] is able to
be a [leader of an assembly of monks]." (See EV,II,pp.45-54) [Go
back]
25. For an interesting
description of this aspect see Burmese Buddhist Culture. [Go
back]
26. This special leave of
absence (sattaaha) can only be taken in order to: visit or nurse
ill Dhamma-friends and parents; support fellow bhikkhus who are thinking
of disrobing; to attend to some essential duty of the Community; to
support faithful lay devotees who make an invitation. (See EV,II,pp.84;
89-90) [Go back]
27. Nowadays, there is much
interest among women wanting to re-establish such a lineage but how to
achieve this is problematic. Fortunately, there are places where women can
practice the 'Holy Life' in robes as dasasiila mata nuns,
developing the best way of Dhamma practice for themselves. (Dasasiila
mata is a nun's ordination based on the Ten Precepts.) For example:
the Nuns Community, Amaravati Buddhist Monastery, Great Gaddesden, Nr.
Hemel Hempstead, Herts HP1 3BZ, UK.(See also BA ch.VII) [Go
back]
28. "The Paa.timokkha
recitation on the Uposatha days thus would be the primary communal
activity of the Buddhist Sangha, an occasion to meet together in communal
confirmation of the standards of behavior to which they were all
committed." (HS ch.20) [Go back]
29. Note that anyone guilty of
an offence of Defeat is automatically no longer a bhikkhu and therefore
cannot take part in the Paa.timokkha recitation. [Go
back]
30. "We are dealing
primarily with rules, but rules are not the only way to express
disciplinary norms, and the texts we are surveying express their norms in
a variety of forms: as rules, principles, models, and virtues. The
different forms are best suited for different purposes. Principles,
models, and virtues are meant as personal, subjective standards and tend
to be loosely defined. Their interpretation and application are left to
the judgement of the individual. Rules are meant to serve as more
objective standards. To work, they must be precisely defined in a way
acceptable to the Community at large. The compilers of the Canon,
recognizing this need, provided definitions for most of the terms in the
rules, and the authors of the commentaries continued this task, carrying
it out with even greater thoroughness.
"This need for precision, though, accounts for the
weakness of rules in general as universal guides to behavior. First, there
is the question of where to draw the line between what is and is not an
infraction of the rule. A clear break-off point is needed because rules --
unlike principles -- deal in two colors: black and white. In some cases,
it is difficult to find a clear break-off point that corresponds exactly
to one's sense of what is right and wrong, and so it is necessary to
include the areas of gray either with the white or the black. In general,
but not always, the Vibhanga's [text] position is to include the gray with
the white, and to rely on the principles of the Dhamma to encourage the
individual bhikkhu to stay away from the gray." (BMC pp.16-17)
[Go back]
31. The 'defeated monk'
"does not need to go through a formal ceremony of disrobing because the
act of violating the rule is an act of disrobing in and of itself. Even if
he continues to pretend to be a bhikkhu, he does not really count as one;
as soon as the facts are known, he must be expelled from the Sangha. He
can never again properly ordain as a bhikkhu in this life. If he tries to
ordain in a Community that does not know of his offence, his ordination
does not count, and he must be expelled as soon as the truth is found out.
"The Commentary, however, states that such an
offender may 'go forth' as a novice [if the Community accepts him]." (BMC
p.87)
"A bhikkhu who has committed any of the Four
Paaraajika offences can no longer have [communion] (sa.mvaasa) with the
sangha. He is one who is condemned for his entire lifetime. There is no
way to remedy it. He must get out of the group. This is the only way for
him. If that person does not give up his status on his own but declares
himself a bhikkhu, once the sangha knows this, it should expel him from
the group." (EV,III, pp.242-243) [Go back]
32. "...he is put on
probation for six days, during which time he is stripped of his seniority,
is not trusted to go anywhere unaccompanied by four other monks of regular
standing, and daily has to confess his offence to every monk who lives in
or happens to visit the monastery. At the end of his probation, twenty
monks have to be convened to reinstate him to his original status."
(Introduction to the Patimokkha Rules; Penalties) [Go
back]
33. "There are six reasons
why a bhikkhu commits an offence: lack of shame; he does not know that it
is an offence; he is doubtful but still goes and does it; he thinks that
he ought to do something when in fact he ought not; he thinks that he
ought not to do something when in fact he ought to do it; he does
something without thinking (absentmindedly)." (Nv p.4) [Go
back]
34. "Another drawback
resulting from the need for precision in rules is that the more precisely
a rule is defined to suit a particular time and place, the less well it
may fit in other times and places. The compilers of the Canon, in order to
make up for this weakness, thus provided the origin stories and precedents
to show the type of situation the rule was intended to prevent, providing
principles and models that indicate the spirit of the rule and aid in
applying it to different contexts." (BMC pp.15-18) [Go
back]
35. "Although the Vibha"nga
and Khandhakas [of the original Paali texts] cover an enormous number of
cases, they do not, of course, cover every possible contingency in the
world; and from what we have seen of the way in which the Buddha
formulated the rules -- dealing with cases as they arose -- there is
reason to doubt that he himself wanted them to form an airtight system. As
for cases that did not arise during his lifetime, he established... the
Great Standards... -- for judging cases not mentioned in the rules... "
(BMC p.26) [Go back]
36. See Vinaya in Theravada
Temples in the United States for a modern 'sociological' discussion of
this point; while EV,I, pp.21-22 mentions the tendency to find ways
around rules. [Go back]
37. "This is especially
true now that monasteries of different nationalities are taking root in
close proximity to one another in the West. In the past, Thais, Burmese,
and Sri Lankans could look down on one another's traditions without danger
of causing friction, as they lived in separate countries and spoke
different languages. Now, however, we have become neighbours and have
begun to speak common languages, so it is best that we take to heart the
writings of the Chinese pilgrims who visited India centuries ago. They
reported that even after the early Buddhists had split into 18 schools,
each with its own Tripitaka [Canon] and Paa.timokkha [Rule], and the
Mahayanists had added their texts to the tradition, bhikkhus belonging to
different schools could be found living together in the same monastery,
practicing and conducting communal business in peace and harmony. Theirs
is a worthy example. We should not let our minor differences become
stumbling blocks on our way..." (BMC p.16) [Go
back]
38. asubha kamma.t.thaana,
see the Foundations of Mindfulness Sutta, (M,10) [Go
back]
39. "It is noteworthy that
even praising death or assisting death out of compassion, that is,
euthanasia, is still considered a Defeat for a bhikkhu (Vin.III,79;86)."
(HS ch.15) [Go back]
40. For a discussion of the
issues involved in caring for the terminally ill, see BMC pp.72-78.
[Go back]
41. Other examples of the
ancient awareness of 'not polluting the environment' and hygiene are the
two Sekhiya Training rules (Sekhiya 74, 75). These prohibit
a bhikkhu from defecating, urinating or spitting into water or onto green
vegetation. [Go back]
42. Deva is a deity or
heavenly being (lit: 'radiant one') of which there are many levels.
However, all are still subject to repeated rebirth, old age and death. A
tree deva is a deity that 'lives' in a tree. [Go back]
43. "Confined is the
household life, a path of dust; the going forth is open and spacious. Not
easy is it living in a house to lead the religious life absolutely
fulfilled and purified, as polished as mother-of-pearl. Suppose I were to
shave off my hair and beard, clothe myself in ochre robes and go forth
from homelife into homelessness?" (HS ch.19) [Go
back]
44. "The Buddhist religious
life aims at complete sexual (and sensual) purity and relinquishment of
all sexual activity. It should be emphasized that this is not based merely
upon a condemnation or denial of sexuality but a clear recognition and
understanding of the nature and effects of sexuality. The Buddha exhorted
his disciples to comprehend the gratification, danger and escape from
sensual pleasures." (HS ch.13) [Go back]
45. "...The word used for
lustful intentions: (otti.n.na, lit. "possessed by") is quite strong:
'impassioned, full of desire, attracted heart'. Also used is vipari.natena
cittena, lit. 'a mind changed for the worst', defined as 'infatuated,
corrupt, blinded' (Vin.III,121). The Commentary defines this as a mind
with lust (raaga). Thus, coming into unlustful physical contact with a
female, such as accidentally hitting a woman's hand during a food
offering, or contact made while trying to get away from contact), is not a
fault." (HS ch.13) [Go back]
46. "The Vinaya mentions
cases of bhikkhus touching their mother, daughter and sister -- that is,
direct blood-relations -- 'for affection', and this was said to be, not a
fault of Formal Meeting, but a Wrong-Doing (Vin.III,126)." (HS
ch.13) [Go back]
47. In full: "Should any
bhikkhu, overcome by lust, with altered mind, speak in the presence of a
woman in praise of ministering to his own sensuality thus: "This, sister,
is the highest ministration, that of ministering to a virtuous,
fine-natured follower of the celibate life such as myself with this act"
-- alluding to sexual intercourse -- it entails initial and subsequent
meetings of the Community." (Sa"ngh. 4; BMC p.100) [Go
back]
48. "It is mainly as a
result of this guideline that bhikkhus do not perform marriage ceremonies,
that is, a bhikkhu should not in any way be instrumental in actually
formalizing the relationship. There is, however, no fault in blessing the
couple after they are formally married or in reconciling an undivorced
couple who have separated (Vin.III.144)." (HS ch.13) [Go
back]
49. "trustworthy" is
defined as one who is at least a stream-enterer. However, even if
the critic is an 'ordinary person' the Community may investigate the case
if it sees fit. [Go back]
50. "The intention for
privacy is most important in these instances, so if a bhikkhu
unintentionally finds himself privately in a secluded or non-secluded
place with a female or females, for instance, when all the other men
depart from a room, or a bhikkhu enters a room of only females, there is
no fault -- but perhaps it wouldn't be advisable to remain there too long.
Technically, if the bhikkhu stands then there is no fault, however, even
standing in a secluded place may give rise to suspicion, whatever the
bhikkhu's intentions might be. The best solution is to have another male
present. Thus, a bhikkhu visiting lay-people is usually accompanied by
another bhikkhu or a male attendant." (HS ch.13) [Go
back]
51. According to the
Commentary, if there are two women this rule is not broken. However, the
rule about talking together would still apply. (See
Talking Privately.) [Go back]
52. "A monk counselling a
female disciple alone invites excessive intimacy and encourages rumour. If
one is to speak more than a few sentences to a woman, one should always
try to call another monk, novice or layman to come within hearing."
(AB)
Perhaps intimate and private telephone conversations
should now also be included here. Some communities require that another
monk be privy to what is going on, whether phone conversations or
(over-familiarity) in letter writing:
"This guideline would also apply to telephone
conversations but not to written communication, although careful
reflection (and perhaps another bhikkhu's guidance) should be exercised."
(HS ch.13) [Go back]
53. "The Explanation to
this guideline defines Dhamma very literally as what is spoken by 'the
Buddha, his disciples, seers or celestial beings, connected with the goal,
connected with Dhamma.' It is thus technically no fault to speak to a
woman in more than six sentences about any other topic, although suspicion
may be aroused. Presumably, any conversation between a conscientious
bhikkhu and a spiritually-aspiring woman would be only about Dhamma,
various kinds of worldly topics were regarded as 'animal talk' and
unworthy of a true samana." (HS ch.13) [Go back]
54. The fifth Confession Rule
is similar to the sixth, however it is concerned with men. It arose when
some newly 'ordained' bhikkhus lay down and slept in the hall in the
presence of lay people, "careless, thoughtless, naked, mumbling,
snoring". The lay people criticized them so the Buddha prohibited
monks from sleeping under the same roof as lay people. However, later he
found that the novice Rahula was having to sleep in an outside toilet
because there was otherwise no room, so he relaxed the rule to allow for a
temporary stay together.
Rule Summary: "Lying down at the same time, in the
same lodging, with a novice or layman for more than three nights running
is [an offence of Confession]." (Paac. 5; BMC p.276) [Go
back]
55. However, another
commentator does not think that a "block of flats or apartments" fits in
with this interpretation, for it is really only concerned with buildings
that are connected by porches and walkways in the Asian style. [Go
back]
56. "The main emphasis in this
guideline is upon the formal arranging, thus there is no fault if
arrangements are made by someone else and a bhikkhu and a woman come to be
traveling together, if the woman makes an arrangement and the bhikkhu,
without consenting, goes along, or if there are misfortunes. However,
other factors should be considered, i.e., a car is a private place
(Paac.45) and intimate conversations may occur (Paac.7)." (HS ch.13) [Go
back]
57. "...a bhikkhu should
wish to use things which are plain and ordinary and not use the good
things which are popular at the time and which can be called luxurious...
The plain and fine requisites should be used according to the time, but
those which are made by or for himself should not aim at beauty, but
should aim at usefulness or strength so that they can be used for a long
time. When a bhikkhu understands this matter, he should practice in the
middle way which is suitable for the time and place."
(EV,II,pp.36-41)
"Bhikkhus who seek a living without violating the
traditions of bhikkhus gain offerings in the right way. They should know
how to make use of these offerings properly and not do anything with them
which will make the donor's faith decline." (EV,II,p.130) [Go
back]
58. This pavaara.naa
should not be confused with the last day of the Rains Retreat, which is
also called Pavaara.naa Day. [Go back]
59. Pavaara.naa
(Invitations) and their Origin Stories:
(i) The son of a great merchant was so inspired by Ven.
Upananda's Dhamma talk that he made an invitation of the four requisites,
whereupon Ven. Upananda asked for one of the pieces of cloth that the lay
man was actually wearing. The lay man replied that he would bring another
cloth from home because walking around with only one cloth was not proper
for him. Nevertheless, Ven. Upananda became very insistent so the lay man
had to give up the cloth. People criticized the monks for being greedy and
not being reasonable in their requests. The rule that resulted can be
summarized:
"Asking for and receiving robe-material from an
unrelated lay person, except when one's robes have been stolen or
destroyed, is [an offence of Confession with Forfeiture]." (Nis.
Paac. 6; BMC p.189)
(ii) If he does beg and obtain the robe, he must
forfeit it to another bhikkhu and confess the offence. When the
circumstances are such that he is allowed to ask for a robe, he should not
ask for more than two robes. This is covered by the next Rule:
"Asking for and receiving excess robe-material
from unrelated lay people when one's robes have been stolen or destroyed
is [an offence of Confession with Forfeiture]." (Summarized Nis.
Paac. 7; BMC p.192)
(iii) The Eighth Rule (Nissaggiya Paacittiya 8)
arose because a bhikkhu overheard one of Ven. Upananda's supporters saying
that he intended to give Ven. Upananda a robe. The bhikkhu went and told
Ven. Upananda, whereupon Ven. Upananda visited (without invitation) the
'donor' and specified exactly which kind of robe he wanted. The lay
supporter commented, "these monks are insatiable and not easily
contented. How can he, without having first been invited by me, make
stipulations about a robe?".
"When a lay person who is not a relative is
planning to get a robe for one, but has yet to ask one what kind of robe
one wants: Receiving the robe after making a request that would raise
its cost is [an offence of Confession with Forfeiture.]" (Summary:
Nis. Paac. 8; BMC p.195)
It is no offence for the bhikkhu to request them to
reduce the amount they were planning to spend.
(iv) The twenty-sixth Confession with Forfeiture Rule:
"If a bhikkhu asks for thread from a lay person
who is not a relative and who has not given [invitation] pavaara.naa and
then has it woven into robe material by weavers, it is [an offence of
Confession with Forfeiture]." (Nis. Paac. 26; Nv p.12)
(v) The twenty-seventh Confession with Forfeiture Rule:
"If a lay person, who is not a relative and who
has not given [invitation] pavaara.naa, should order weavers to make up
some material for a robe for the bhikkhu, if then the bhikkhu instructs
the weavers saying that if they make it better than they otherwise would
have done he will give them some reward, it is [an offence of Confession
with Forfeiture.]" (Nis. Paac. 27; Nv p.12)
º Although these Rules are about robe-material,
conscientious bhikkhus would regard other requisites in the same spirit. [Go
back]
60. In modern Thailand, a
person can offer support by giving a printed slip which may read: "I
invite you with the Four Requisites equal in amount to the value of
'x-amount' that has been handed over already to the steward. As you have
need of it, please request it from the steward." [Go
back]
61. In Thailand, the iron bowl
has been almost superseded by the bowl made from stainless steel. EV
reports that a medium-sized bowl is about 22.5 cm. in diameter. (See
BMC p.231) [Go back]
62. After being ten days
unrepaired, the robe is considered forfeit (Nis. Paac.). ('A stitch
in time saves nine!') [Go back]
63. "Allowable items (i.e.,
knives and thimbles) were not to be made of expensive things but only of
bone, ivory, horn, reed, bamboo, wood, shellac, fruit, copper or
conch-shell. These materials were also permitted for a variety of minor
articles such as an ointment-box, ointment-stick, nose-spoon, steam-tubes,
earwax remover, belt-buckles and loops and tags for robes. Also, bags,
with a strap and string for tying them closed, were allowed for most of
the above-mentioned articles as well as for medicines and sandals."
(HS ch.12) [Go back]
64. "...things which are
given by donors to a bhikkhu to be his own, or a bhikkhu has [properly
acquired] as his personal possessions. Even things which the sangha has
distributed, their ownership is given to a bhikkhu and they are personal
things. A bhikkhu who is the owner of such things has the right to give
them up, or to give them away, just as he likes. The point here is that
one should not cause the faith of the donor to decline." (EV,II,p.149)
"to distribute things among fellow Dhamma-friends is
suitable as well as giving to laymen who work in the monastery, or those
who help with a bhikkhu's work. They should be given to such people as the
cost of food and as the cost of labor, or they should be given the things
which a bhikkhu has received so that they can be used and not wasted, for
this will be proper." (EV,II,p.130)
However: "...telling a lay person to take one's
belongings as his/her own is a 'theft of faith' (saddhaa-deyya) -- i.e., a
misuse of the donations that lay supporters have sacrificed for the
bhikkhu's use." (BMC p.229) [Go back]
65. The 'discarded cloth'
would be thoroughly washed and possibly bleached before it could be dyed.
Nowadays robes made this way are rare and probably used only by a few
forest monks. He gave this reflection:
"Properly considering the robe, I use it: simply
to ward off cold, to ward off heat, to ward off the touch of flies,
mosquitoes, simply for the purpose of covering the parts of the body
which cause shame." [OP p.46; (Paali: M. I, 10; A. III,
387)]
[Go back]
66. "In the Buddha's time,
the style of clothing of one gone forth and that of a householder were
very similar -- a cloth around the waist and one across the shoulders.
Thus at Vin.III,211, Venerable Upananda asks for the upper cloth from the
son of a rich merchant). The only difference would be in the color, that
is, ochre for one gone forth." (HS ch.8) [Go back]
67. There is some uncertainty
as to the maximum size allowed. (See BMC p.528) Also, cloth now is
not such a luxury and humans nowadays seem to be physically bigger; so
robes can now be found as large as 3 x 2 metres for the upper and outer
robes, 2.5 x 1 meter for the skirt robe.
Though five panels are shown in this figure, there can
be seven, nine, or more (usually an odd number) depending on the size of
the cloth. [Go back]
68. "Variously translated:
Pali English Dictionary page 212 says 'a kind of brown, i.e., yellow';
Childers (p.190) has 'reddish yellow, yellow'; Upasak (p.70) says 'yellow
reddish color'. Present day renunciants in India wear orange-colored
clothing. Perhaps 'ochre' would be a good translation. In Thailand robes
vary in color from bright orange to reddish-brown for the city- and
village-dwelling monks to tan through chocolate-brown for the
forest-dwelling monks." (HS Endnotes)
In Thailand this color is considered to be "yellow
mixed with much red or the ochre yellow which is the color obtained from
the heartwood of the Jack-fruit tree." (EV,II,pp.15-17) The
heartwood of the jack-fruit tree (Artocarpus integrifolia
(Urticaceaea)) is now difficult to find due to deforestation. [Go
back]
69. For example, in Thailand
the double-thickness outer robe is often 'ceremonially' folded over the
left shoulder; in Burma the upper robe sometime reaches high up the neck.
And the method of wearing and rolling the robe-edges will differ from
community to community. [Go back]
70. The Sekhiya
Training Rules require that a bhikkhu be properly covered from the neck to
the knees and that the robe be 'even all around'. See
Proper Behavior Outside the Monastery. [Go
back]
71. e.g., a bathing cloth,
handkerchief, towel, etc. In Thailand, it has become accepted practice for
a monk always to wear a 'shoulder cloth' (angsa) under his robe.
While working in the monastery he may then put his upper robe aside. In
western countries with harsh winters an extra 'under-robe', with socks,
gloves, etc., are often worn for added warmth. [Go back]
72. The original allowance
came about: "When a group of thirty ascetic bhikkhus braved rain and
floods to visit the Buddha and arrived at his residence drenched and
weary, the Buddha made the allowance for bhikkhus who have kept the Rains
Residence to conduct a Kathina ceremony." (HS ch.21) [Go
back]
73. He gave this reflection: ''Properly
considering almsfood, I use it: not playfully, nor for intoxication, nor
for putting on weight, nor for beautification; but simply for the survival
and continuance of this body, for ending its afflictions, for the support
of the chaste life, (thinking) I will destroy old feelings (of hunger) and
not create new feelings (from overeating). Thus I will maintain myself, be
blameless, and live in comfort." [OP p.46; (Paali: M. I, 10;
A. III, 387)] [Go back]
74. The bhikkhu may also
voluntarily undertake the special dhuta"nga (tudong in Thai)
practices. These are more usually seen among forest monks and are
distinctive of their way of practice. For example, they always try to go
on alms round; they eat the collected food out of their alms bowl in one
sitting; and may refuse late-come food. (See also dhuta"nga in the
Glossary.) [Go back]
75. See BMC pages
495-504. The following translations are based on this. Breaking a
Sekhiya is usually considered an offence of wrong-doing. [Go
back]
76. "This rule teaches
bhikkhus to show their appreciation of the donors, for they should not
look down on them, while they should show their appreciation of the food
given to them. They should not behave in such a way (as to suggest that)
they are accepting it to play with it or throw it away later."
(EV,I,p.210) [Go back]
77. When the Buddhist
Community comes together to celebrate a festival day, it can show its
harmony and common purpose through the alms round. The bhikkhu carries the
'bowl of the Buddha' and all the lay people, young and old, join in
putting a token amount of rice or food into the bowl. The abundant food is
usually afterwards shared out among everyone present. [Go
back]
78. Nowadays, bhikkhus often
use plates and cutlery. However, forest bhikkhus will usually keep to the
old traditions -- which is also part of the dhuta"nga practices.
The practice of eating out of the bowl using one's fingers is still found
in Sri Lanka. [Go back]
79. See the Siilavagga
of the Diigha Nikaaya. [Go back]
80. Noon or midday is when the
sun is at its zenith or highest elevation in the sky, midway between
sunrise and sunset (on a plain). It is not necessarily 12:00 hours clock
time because the clocks are often changed depending on the season and
whether 'Daylight Saving' is in force. However, many communities will keep
to twelve noon as the set time limit. [Go back]
81. However, there is "an
allowance in the Mahaavagga (I.14.7) for a bhikkhu who has taken a
purgative to take strained meat broth, strained rice broth, or strained
green gram (mung bean) broth at any time of the day. Using the Great
Standards, we may say that a bhikkhu who has a similar illness or worse
may take these broths at any time; and some have argued that other bean
broths -- such as soybean milk -- would fit under the category of green
gram broth as well. However, unlike the case with the five tonics, mere
hunger or fatigue would not seem to count as sufficient reasons for taking
any of these substances in the 'wrong time.'... some have argued, using
the Great Standards, that the special allowance for this substance [ --
lonasoviraka, which is not now made -- ] should extend to miso as well,
but this is a controversial point." (BMC pp.363-4)
"Certain other 'medicines' may be interpreted by
applying the Great Standards... from some of those mentioned specifically
in the Vinaya. Thus soya-bean milk may be a form of 'thin mung-bean
broth'... , miso may be a form of 'salted sour gruel'..." (HS
ch.10) [Go back]
82. Note that the Buddha
otherwise allowed and praised living in a charnel ground and wearing
rag-robes, for these are two of the dhuta"nga practices. [Go
back]
83. Water and tooth-cleaning
sticks are excepted in the rule. Some Communities also count toothpaste
under this exception, some consider it more a medicine and therefore
require it to be properly offered. While some Communities require ice, hot
water, and bottled water to be also offered -- some do not. [Go
back]
84. Please note, however, that
the spoon should not be knocked on the side of the bowl to clear off any
remaining rice. Because the bowl is traditionally clay or iron, it easily
is damaged and there are several rules which remind the bhikkhu to look
after his bowl. If his bowl does become cracked, he is not allowed to ask
for another until it is unusable. (Nis. Paac.22) [Go
back]
85. Bhikkhus in Thailand never
receive food from women directly into their hands. It is always offered
into their bowl or onto a 'receiving-cloth.' This practice does not appear
directly in the texts. However, it probably functions as extra-assurance
for the monks concerning the very serious rule about touching women (see
Intimacy -- Touching.) Many Thai
eight-precept nuns follow a reciprocal tradition when receiving anything
from a man. In Sri Lanka and Burma monks generally will accept offerings
from women directly into their hands. [Go back]
86. The Commentary allows a
lay person or novice to collect anything remaining from the bhikkhu's meal
and keep it in the approved storeroom. As long as the bhikkhu has
completely abandoned all possession of that food, a lay person or novice
may, on their own initiative, re-offer it the following day and the
bhikkhu may accept and eat the food. However, many Communities ignore this
allowance because of concern that it will be abused so they will not
receive food that has previously been offered. [Go back]
87. A Snack (of 'non-staple'
food) is not included in this rule, however the bhikkhu should not overeat
so that it spoils his appetite. Also the original donor may provide the
pre-meal snack or give permission to eat breakfast beforehand. [Go
back]
88. "There are
approximately 26 references to the eating of meat by bhikkhus and
bhikkhuniis (and 4 to meat-broth), 10 of these are in reference to the
five kinds of staple food (bhojana). Many of these references are quite
incidental, for example, a chief minister offers each of 1250 bhikkhus a
bowl of meat (Vin.I,222), a bhikkhu steals a bowlful of meat during a
famine (Vin.III,59) and bhikkhus eat the remains of a lion's kill
(Vin.III,80). One of these references concerns the Buddha's refusal to
forbid the eating of fish and meat as proposed by the schismatic Bhikkhu
Devadatta (Vin.II,197; III,172). The Buddha rather reiterated his position
that fish and meat were pure if not seen, heard or suspected to have been
killed for a bhikkhu. It thus seems certain that meat-eating was common in
the Buddha's time and only later, with the growth of the Mahayana schools,
became prohibited.
A study of the allowance to eat meat pure in the
three respects in other Vinaya recensions shows that, despite minor
differences in defining terms, there is not "any material difference in
the meaning and scope of the rule." It has been suggested that the
development of vegetarianism amongst certain Mahayanists may have close
connexions to the theory of the tathaagatagarbha..." (HS ch.9)
However, another commentator notes that Tibetan
Buddhists -- who also follow the Mahayana (and the tathaagatagarbha
teachings) -- do eat meat. He suggests that not eating meat came more from
the Taoist influence in China. [Go back]
89. This exception was made
when the newly converted (from the Jains) General Siha ordered that a meal
for the Lord Buddha and his monks be prepared for the next day with meat
from the market. The Jains then started to shout and complain all over
town in an attempt to discredit the Buddha.
The bhikkhu should also not eat raw or undercooked
meat, or the flesh of elephants, horses, dogs, snakes, lions, tigers,
leopards, bears, hyenas or, of course, human flesh. [Go back]
90. "The flesh of animals
which have been slaughtered to sell as meat for the people, however, is
called 'flesh which exists already'. [It] has been slaughtered for their
meat to be used for food by one person or by a group of people, apart from
fellow Dhamma friends, or specially for the butcher himself... If people
cook such meat and offer it to a bhikkhu, [it] will not be an offence to
accept and eat it." (EV,II,pp.131-133) [Go back]
91. Lay people had complained
to the Lord Buddha about the monks destroying 'seed-life', therefore He
set down that the monks were to check with the lay people first to know if
eating those particular fruits was considered allowable. [Go
back]
92. Eight varieties are
mentioned in the Paali: mango-juice, roseapple-juice, juice from two types
of bananas, 'honey tree'-juice, persimmon or grape-juice, lotus-root
juice, marian-plum or lychee-juice. [Go back]
93. The traditional way of
making these juices is that "the ripe fruit should be peeled or cut
open and the flesh removed and bound up in a cloth and then squeezed hard
so that the juice comes out, leaving the (remains of the) flesh in the
cloth, after which sufficient water should be added, mixing in other
things such as sugar or salt to taste. Other [than for the 'honey tree
juice', water need not be added]. The fruit should be fresh and it is
prohibited to cook it over a fire." (EV,II,p.137) [Go
back]
94. For example, Plain
chocolate (sugar + vegetable oil + cocoa) is allowable in some places but
not milk chocolate. Milk is considered to be food.
º One of the tonic-medicines is called
navaniita.m in Paali. Some communities consider that it is butter and
some cheese. It is a controversial point. Remembering that each local
community of monks may practice differently, the lay person will need to
check what is considered allowable.
Other comments on the tonic-medicines:
"Some say that navaniita.m is butter, some say that
it is cheese. However, there is a reasonable argument following the
Buddha's Four Great Standards (Mahaavagga, chapter 6 verse 40) to state
that butter and cheese are sufficiently similar to the real navaniita.m
and dissimilar to what has been disallowed by the Buddha to make both
butter and cheese also allowable, along with navaniita.m as one of the
Five Tonics. In the West, cheese is sometimes considered as a food and
monks seen eating it in the afternoon or evening may be looked down upon
by some lay people. It seems better in such situations, only to make use
of the allowance to eat cheese in the afternoon or evening when there is
more than mere tiredness but a debilitating illness instead.
"...It may be that the [tonic-] medicine is given
up, with no expectation of its return, before seven days have passed; in
which case if, without any prompting by the monk, it should be offered
again that medicine may be accepted and kept a further seven days."
(AB)
"These five medicines are defined as:
1) sappi: ghee, clarified butter, a fine oil used
in Indian cooking; obtained from processing the milk of cows, goats,
buffaloes or any other animal whose flesh is allowed;
2) navaniita: fresh butter/cheese* made from the
milk of any animal whose flesh is allowed;
3) tela.m: oil, either vegetable or animal;
4) madhu: honey from bees;
5) phaa.nita: sugar, often translated as
"molasses", however this seems a quite limited definition; while
sugar-cane is specifically mentioned, it seems that all kinds of sugar**
are meant. Sugar-cane was probably the original source of sugar and it
would have been in quite a raw state much like the jaggery of Sri Lanka
and the 'num oy' of Thailand. (HS ch.10)
*"Made from churning curds... This is similar to
modern-day creamery butter and, since cheese is also processed from curds,
many bhikkhus would include cheese under this name as well (in Thailand
the name for butter and cheese is the same -- butter is the 'soft' variety
and cheese the 'hard'). One complication with this is that in the West
cheese is considered a substantial food. Thus, if used as a tonic should
be taken in moderation." (HS Endnotes)
**"Under this would be included 'sugar-water' and so
many communities would allow 'lemonade' and other soft drinks." (HS
Endnotes)
[Go back]
95. "...the numerous
modern-day chemical medicines are different forms of roots, resins and
salts (lifetime medicines). Perhaps the most important criteria to
determine what is a medicine and in using medicines is one's intention,
that is, to reflect on why it is being used: is it being used as a food or
for the relief of dis-ease or discomfort?" (HS ch.10) [Go
back]
96. In some communities plain
tea, coffee, cocoa, etc. would be included here. [Go back]
97. See also
Etiquette and EN 124. [Go
back]
98. It would seem that in
order to treat other substances in the same way as alcohol, they should
significantly distort or impair one's mindfulness. (As in the Fifth
Precept.) Smoking cigarettes, drinking coffee or tea would therefore not
normally be included in this rule. However, as lay people are the ones
that supply such things, they can decide for themselves what items they
consider appropriate to give to bhikkhus. (Certain communities may decide
some of these items are 'unhealthy' or 'addictive' and therefore not allow
them.) [Go back]
99. "There is no mention in
the Pali Canon of any other of the many intoxicating substances which are
known today. However, applying the Great Standards, it seems appropriate
to include within this guideline all strong mood-altering substances, for
example, narcotics, hallucinogenics, amphetamines, sedatives, etc. The
main thrust of this guideline is not to just refrain from liquor, but
rather to refrain from all substances which cause heedlessness, mental
confusion and disorientation. In our modern-day, pill-popping society it
may be hard to appreciate the real value of this particular guideline.
However, for those serious about the cultivation of mind through
meditation exercises, one's ordinary confusion is quite enough to deal
with -- not to mention compounding it with powerful foreign substances."
(HS.ch.17) [Go back]
100. "Attempts to
precisely define this guideline have given rise to differing views, for
the most part due to the two different definitions of what technically
constitutes stealing resulting in loss of bhikkhu status (i.e., gross
stealing). The wording of the guideline gives the standard that a person
caught stealing would be punished by the civil authorities: 'beaten,
imprisoned or banished'. The Explanation then defines this degree of
stealing as taking anything worth at least one paada, a certain standard
of value in India at that time.
"The first standard is somewhat ambiguous and
relative to social values at different places and at different times. The
second is more specific -- if one knows how much a paada is worth! A
sub-commentary, says that one paada is equal to the value of gold weighing
20 unhusked rice-grains. This has been determined as approximately 1/24
oz. troy of gold. Of course, it must also be recognized that the price of
gold fluctuates over time. This seems like a reasonable amount to
constitute a theft serious enough to warrant Defeat." (HS ch.14)
[Go back]
101. "In the present time
this may also include such things as breach of copyright, inappropriate
use of public utilities (telephone, post, etc.) or transportation systems
(traveling without the correct ticket), having money changed on the black
market, illegal entry into countries (not paying for visa), etc., etc.,"
(HS Endnote) [Go back]
102. "The non-acceptance
of money has always been one of the fundamental observances of those who
have left the world. Money is the measure of wealth and to most people
material wealth is the goal of life. In the bhikkhu's renunciation of
money he emphatically demonstrates his complete rejection of worldly
pursuits. At one stroke he sets himself significantly apart from the vast
majority of people and becomes a constant reminder to all that a life
based on the struggle to accumulate money is not the only way to live.
Through giving up money he gives up much of his power to manipulate the
world and to satisfy his desires. Thus, as the Buddha said in the Samyutta
Nikaaya:
"Whoever agrees to gold or money, headman, also
agrees to the five strands of sensual pleasure, and whoever agrees to the
five strands of sensual pleasure, headman, you may take for certain that
this is not the way of a recluse, that this is not the way of a Buddhist
monk." (See P.T.S. Kindred Sayings, Vol. 4 p.232)
"A Bhikkhu who does not accept money inspires great
faith in Buddhism amongst the laity; according to the following quote he
is likened unto a 'shining example' -- whereas the bhikkhu who does accept
money is likened unto a 'blemish' or 'stain':
"Bhikkhus,... there are these four stains because of
which samanas and brahmans glow not, shine not, blaze not. What are these
four? Drinking alcoholic beverages... indulging in sexual intercourse...
accepting gold and money... obtaining requisites through a wrong mode of
livelihood." (A.II.53)" (AB)
"In the act of accepting money, or having it
accepted in one's name, one is accepting all the cares, responsibilities,
and dangers that come with its ownership; in the act of arranging a trade,
one is accepting responsibility for the fairness of the trade: that it
undervalues neither the generosity of the person who donated the money,
nor the goods and services of the person receiving the money in exchange."
(BMC p.197) [Go back]
103. "The question of
whether or not it is best to express one's refusal outwardly lies beyond
the scope of the Vinaya, and often depends on the situation. Ideally, one
should inform the donor so that he or she will know enough not to present
such gifts in the future, but there are also cases where the donor is
still new to the idea of rules and will simply be offended if the bhikkhu
objects to what he or she means as a well-intentioned gesture. This is
thus a matter where a bhikkhu should use his discretion." (BMC
p.218) [Go back]
104. "Bhikkhus may receive
checks made out in their name (which are then endorsed and given to the
steward) and can make use of such things as telephone cards,
transportation tickets and vouchers for specific items (i.e., food,
drinks, books, etc.)." (HS ch.14) [Go back]
105. "The Buddha had to
steer a middle course between honoring the laity's generosity and concern
for the welfare of the Bhikkhu-Sangha and preventing the bhikkhus from
receiving and using money. Thus, while bhikkhus are not allowed to receive
money for their use, they are allowed to accept things obtained from a
properly-deposited fund. This is usually done through the services of a
monastery-steward who is entrusted with money provided by lay people. In
our modern, money-dominated world this may appear as a subtle and refined
point, however, it may be helpful to compare this arrangement to a special
Trust Fund from which the beneficiaries (in this case, bhikkhus) can only
receive material requisites. That is, the donor (temporarily) establishes
a Trust Fund to provide a bhikkhu with requisites through the
monastery-steward as manager." (HS ch.14)
"...the Buddha permitted money to be entrusted by a
donor to a steward, who may be a monastery attendant or a lay follower,
for the personal benefit of an individual bhikkhu, thus:
'There are, bhikkhus, people of faith and confidence
(in the Sangha) who entrust money into the hands of monastery stewards
saying, "With this, provide the bhikkhu so-and-so with what is allowable".
I permit you, bhikkhus, to accept an allowable item obtained thereby. But
this, bhikkhus, I do not say: that in any circumstances may gold, silver
or money be accepted (by a bhikkhu, or) be looked about for (by him)'.
"When the donors ask the bhikkhu, 'Has the Venerable
One a steward?' or, 'Is there an appropriate place where I may deposit
this money', or some similar question, then the bhikkhu may point out a
suitable steward, or he may indicate an appropriate place. Should the
donor deposit the money with that steward, or in that place, then it is
properly deposited." (AB) [Go back]
106. "Money given to a
steward of the Sangha (veyyaavaccakara), for the use of bhikkhus or to
stewards of individual bhikkhus, is not given to the bhikkhus for them to
possess. The steward holds the money of the donors in trust, and should a
bhikkhu have legitimate reason to make use of this (travel for Dhamma,
Requisites, Dhamma-books, etc.), he can request the steward to supply him
with the article needed. He cannot purchase it himself. "This rule
concerns money of which a bhikkhu has such thoughts as, 'It is mine' or
'It belongs to me' and which he intends to use for purposes other than
those of Dhamma." (Paat. 1966 Ed.; p104--105) [Go
back]
107. "The
Monastery-Steward: The monastery-steward is usually someone who is a close
supporter of the monastery. Not only should he/she ideally be
well-informed about the monastic guidelines relating to money, but also be
knowledgeable about what is appropriate to provide and the proper
procedures for doing so.
"When a fund has been properly established and the
bhikkhu is in need of a requisite, he may approach that steward and state
what he is in need of. Should a bhikkhu command the steward to: 'Buy me
this', it is considered a case of dubbhicaritata (wrong procedure) and
that bhikkhu may not make use of any article obtained therefrom, although
other bhikkhus may use it.
"It is a fault of Acknowledgement with Forfeiture
[Nis. Paac.10] for a bhikkhu who receives a requisite by badgering the
steward beyond verbally reminding him three times and standing silently up
to six times. If the required requisite is not forthcoming the bhikkhu is
obliged to inform the donor that the invitation to requisites has not been
fulfilled. The Commentary says that if the bhikkhu does not inform the
donor it is a fault of Wrong- Doing "for breaking a custom"). The donor
may then take up the matter with the steward." (HS ch.14)
"A bhikkhu may not command (tell) either the donor
or the steward what to do with regard to the gift of gold or money.
However, he may give them hints, or suggestions, or any information, as
long as these fall short of ordering the donor or steward. Also, a bhikkhu
may not accept the ownership of gold or money offered to him indirectly,
for example should a donor say to him, "In such and such a place is a
certain amount of money, I give it to you." then the bhikkhu is obliged to
reject the gift by words or by a gesture of refusal or by mental resolve
(e.g., determining, "I do not accept this") otherwise he incurs [an
offence of Confession with Forfeiture]." (AB) [Go
back]
108. "Bhikkhu Brahmawangso
has 'buying and selling using money'; Ms. Horner has: 'transactions in
which gold and silver is used', BD.2,106; Thanissaro Bhikkhu has 'monetary
exchange', BMC, 220 and details the differing views of the Vinaya and
Commentary and the variety of faults arising from various transactions.
The Vinaya only outlines the procedure for forfeiting gold and money as a
result of this action so this guideline seems to apply only to exchanging
gold or money and selling for money." (HS Endnotes) [Go
back]
109. The list also mentions:
women, articles of women's dress, and representations of women; various
kinds of weapons; instruments for trapping animals; all kinds of musical
instruments. (See EV,II,p.73) [Go back]
110. He gave this reflection:
"Properly considering the lodging, I use it: simply to ward off cold,
to ward off heat, to ward off the touch of flies, mosquitoes, wind, sun
and reptiles; simply for protection from the inclemencies of weather and
for the enjoyment of seclusion." [OP p.46; (Paali: M. I, 10;
A. III, 387)] [Go back]
111. "Thus, bhikkhus were
required to enter the rains-residence in some kind of lodging, not doing
so was a fault of Wrong-doing (Vin.I,152)." (HS ch.21) [Go
back]
112. Divination, casting
spells, mediumship, giving protective charms, exorcism, fortune telling,
astrology, ghost-lore, etc., are classed as 'low animal-like knowledge'
(see Wrong Ways of Behavior) and do not come
under this rule. [Go back]
113. According to the
Commentary, an insane monk is one who "goes about in an unseemly way,
with deranged perceptions, having cast away all sense of conscience and
shame, not knowing whether he has transgressed major or minor training
rules" (See BMC p.49)
There are monks who are not insane but who
believe in their own delusions of grandeur. They are not exempt from
offences. [Go back]
114. The Buddha did make a
special allowance about footwear for 'outlying border regions'. In some
western countries going barefooted would not be socially acceptable and
might even be against the local bye-laws. The Great Standards
should be used to decide what is suitable. [Go back]
115. "The Buddha
encouraged reasonable standards of cleanliness, nutrition and treatment of
illness. He readily accepted the physician Jivaka's suggestion to allow
bhikkhus a place to do walking meditation and a sweat-room to relieve bad
health caused by eating rich meals. He even established very high
standards for the time by having the bhikkhus build communal toilets and
communal bathing-places. However, when people with various diseases sought
to benefit from the Sangha's high standards of care and attention to the
sick, they were disallowed from [becoming bhikkhus], as were people who
had various deformities. Thus, bhikkhus should not become doctors,
full-time nurses or attendants to invalids. They were supposed to live a
simple, unencumbered life sustained by sufficient nutriment, appropriate
medicines and advanced health standards for the full-time pursuit of
spiritual liberation."
"When the Buddha referred to tending the sick, he
was referring to fellow monastics. The Commentary,... [has that] a bhikkhu
may prescribe and supply medicine to... his parents, to those caring for
his parents, to lay-attendants of the monastery and to those residing in
the monastery preparing to ordain; a bhikkhu may also prescribe (but not
supply) medicines for brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles and grandparents,
if they are not able to supply their own medicines, a bhikkhu can loan
these to them; if travelers, bandits, wounded soldiers, important people
and those with no relatives come to the monastery for help, they should be
given medicine without re-imbursement; medicine may be given indirectly to
brothers- and sisters-in-law, either through their children or through the
bhikkhu's brother or sister; monastery supporters and faithful people may
be helped by mentioning what medicines will cure their particular ailment;
prescribing or supplying beyond this is a Wrong-doing." (HS ch.10)
[Go back]
116. "The term 'corrupter
of families' is one way of speech used by a group of bhikkhus. It does not
mean that a bhikkhu gets angry, takes revenge, injures or destroys
another's wealth. The meaning is that a bhikkhu flatters by behaving as a
layman, or by serving lay people, or by hoping for gains, giving a little
to get much. Doing this a bhikkhu is called a corrupter of families
because he makes lay people decline in faith which is the cause for the
possession of skillfulness. Although a bhikkhu behaving in that way may
please some laymen, yet they will not respect him as a bhikkhu, only
treating him as an inferior friend. The term 'of bad behavior', refers to
behavior beyond the bounds of a [recluse's] conduct, for instance,
playfully associating with girls in a family, or playing games,
naughtiness or joking, singing and dancing." (Paat. 1969 Ed.,
p.157) [Go back]
117. "They indulged in
many kinds of bad behavior such as cultivating flowering trees, making
them into garlands and sending them to women and girls of respectable
families; eating and socializing with women and girls of respectable
families; eating after noon; drinking intoxicants; dancing, singing and
playing musical instruments; playing various games; training in elephant,
horse and cart knowledge; training in archery and swordsmanship; wrestling
and fighting; applauding dancing girls; etc." (HS ch.17) [Go
back]
118. See Banner of the
Arahants, Ch. V. [Go back]
119. There is an example from
an ancient Sri Lankan inscription commemorating the king's gift of silk
robes to the Pa.msakulika monks. As this title indicated that they
were rag-robe wearers, it is ironic that they found themselves with royal
silk robes. [Go back]
120. "...there is the
custom of bowing to the shrine or teacher. This is done when first
entering their presence or when taking leave. Done gracefully at the
appropriate time, this is a beautiful gesture that honors the person who
does it; at an inappropriate time, done compulsively, it appears foolish.
Another common gesture of respect is to place the hands so that the palms
are touching, the fingers pointing upwards, and the hands held immediately
in front of the chest. The gesture of raising the hands to the slightly
lowered forehead is called 'añjalii'. This is a pleasant means of
greeting, bidding farewell, saluting the end of a Dhamma talk, concluding
an offering." (from: A Lay Buddhist's Guide to the Monks' Code of
Conduct)
"To bow correctly, bring the forehead all the way to
the floor; have elbows near the knees which should be about three inches
apart. Bow slowly, being mindful of the body. As nearly as possible, the
buttocks should be kept on the heels,...'' (from: Advice for Guests
at Bodhinyanarama Monastery) [Go back]
121. In NE Thailand, the
people will more often squat down to 'welcome with respect'. [Go
back]
122. The cetiya (or
stupa, chedi, sometimes pagoda) is one of the most
ancient objects used as a focus of recollection and devotion towards the
Lord Buddha. Buddha-ruupas (statues of the Buddha) came later
through, probably, Bactrian Greek influence. Thus there are several
traditions and practices:
"It is a tradition of bhikkhus that whoever enters
the area around a cetiya, which is a place for the recollection of the
Master, should behave in a respectful manner, neither opening his umbrella
nor putting on sandals nor wearing the [robe] covering both shoulders.
They should not speak loudly there or sit with their legs spread apart
with their feet pointing (at the cetiya), thus not showing respect for
that place. They must not stool or urinate, spit upon the terraces of the
cetiya (or) before an image of the Exalted Buddha, their good behavior
thus showing respect for the Master." (EV,II,p.82)
Sanskrit renditions of the Paa.timokkha Rule
contain extra Sekhiya Training rules often concerned with ways of
showing respect. For example, Rules 60 to 85 are all concerned with
Buddha-Stupas:
Rule 63: "Not to wear leather shoes into a
Buddha-Stupa is a rule I will observe; Rule 77: Not to carry a
Buddha-image into a privy is a rule I will observe; Rule 84: Not to sit
with my feet stuck out in front of a Buddha-Stupa is a rule I will
observe." (Shaikshas from the Pratimoksha Precepts)
[Go back]
123. Also one of the Sanskrit
Sekhiya Rules (Muulasarvaastivaadin Saika) disallows
"sitting on a seat stretching out the feet in a public place".
(Buddhist Monastic Discipline p.99) [Go back]
124. "In Asian society old
age is highly respected. The Buddha adapted this tradition for the Sangha
by recognizing seniority according to one's age in the Sangha counted from
the day (and time) of receiving the Upasampada. This is of course simply a
practical conventional hierarchy and not an absolute hierarchical
structure. In the functioning of the Sangha this would be offset by the
principle of consensus democracy where every bhikkhu, regardless of
seniority, has a voice, and by the power of wisdom (not to be confused
with conviction) exhibited by the more highly realized members."
(HS ch.22)
"The theme of a hierarchy of respect first came up
for serious consideration in regard to obtaining lodgings. One time the
Buddha set out from Savatthi with a large following of bhikkhus. The
bhikkhus who were pupils of the group of six bhikkhus went ahead and
appropriated all the [lodgings] and sleeping-places for their preceptors,
teachers and for themselves. Venerable Sariputta, coming along behind, was
unable to find a suitable lodging and sat down at the foot of a tree. The
Buddha found him there and, finding the reason, asked the assembled
bhikkhus:
'Bhikkhus, who is worthy of the principle seat,
the best water, the best alms-food?'"Some bhikkhus said that one gone
forth from a noble family was most worthy of these things; some said one
gone forth from a brahmana family... a merchant family... one versed in
the suttas -- a Vinaya expert... a teacher of Dhamma... one having the
first jhana... the second... the third... the fourth jhana;... a
stream-enterer... a once-returner... a nonreturner... an arahant... one
with the Three-fold Knowledge... one with the six Psychic Powers. The
Buddha then related the story of a partridge, a monkey and a
bull-elephant who were friends and agreed to respect and heed the advice
of the eldest. The Buddha concluded by saying:"'Well then, bhikkhus, if
breathing animals can live mutually respectful, deferential and
courteous, so do you, bhikkhus, shine forth so that you, gone forth in
this well-taught Dhamma-Vinaya, live likewise mutually respectful,
deferential and courteous."'
(HS ch.22) [Go back]
125. In Thailand, the common
honorifics in (roughly) ascending order of age and seniority are: Tan,
Phra, Luang Pee, Kruba, Ajahn, Tan Ajahn,
Luang Por, Luang Poo. The Thai titles of ascending
ecclesiastical rank are: Phra Khru, Chow Khun, Somdet,
and Somdet Phra Sangha Raht (or the Supreme Patriarch). Also note
that the English transliteration of these Thai titles also varies, for
example, Acharn, Ajaan, Ajahn. [Go
back]
126. "The Uposatha
(Sanskrit: Upavasatha) was the 14th or 15th day of the lunar fortnight
(i.e., the full and new moon). It was recognized as an auspicious fast-day
in Vedic times. These days, as well as the 8th, are reported to have been
used by other religious groups during the Buddha's time as suitable
occasions to meet and discuss or preach their doctrines. These meetings
became very popular and led to the various sects becoming more well-known
and respected." (HS ch.20) [Go back]
127. Equivalent to the
fifteenth day of the waxing moon, the fifteenth or fourteenth day of the
waning moon, and the eighth day of the waxing and waning moons. Until
recently, villagers in Buddhist countries still used this calendar in
everyday speech, e.g., they would not say, "Today is Monday" but "the
third day of the waxing moon". [Go back]
128. While this form of
training is well known in the traditionally Buddhist countries, it is only
just starting to be appreciated in the West. For example, the Upasika
Training at Amaravati Buddhist Monastery. This includes going for
refuge to the Triple Gem, taking on the Five Precepts, practicing
meditation daily, visiting the monastery and fellow upasikas for
mutual support. It should also involve right livelihood, which is to avoid
professions that trade in arms, in living beings, meat, alcohol, and
poison. [Go back]
129. "Another frequent
classification of training precepts is called the eight constituents of
the Observance Day (atthanga-samannaagata uposatha) A.I,248; cf. A.I,211).
The noble disciple reflects that for all their life the arahants keep
these eight standards of conduct so they will follow that example for the
Observance Day...." (HS ch.5) [Go back]
130. This is adapted from the
work of Ven. Narada Mahaathera (expanded by Max Sandor and Ven.
Metta-vihari), Ven. Gunaratana Mahaathera, Ven. Thanissaro and the
Amaravati Chanting Book. [Go back]
131. Extract from A Lay
Buddhist's Guide to the Monks' Code of Conduct. [Go
back]
132. Extract from:
Bodhinyanarama's Advice for Guests. [Go back]
133. Extract from:
Observances Wat Pah Nanachat. [Go back]
134. From the Lay Committee.
[Go back]
135. From some Australian
women. [Go back]
The Age of Vinaya, A Historical Cultural Study,
G.S.P. Misra, Munshiram Manoharlal, 1972.
The Banner of the Arahants, Buddhist Monks and Nuns
from the Buddha's Time till Now, by Bhikkhu Khantipalo, Buddhist
Publication Society, Kandy, Sri Lanka, 1979
The Book of the Discipline, trans. I.B. Horner,
in 6 volumes, Pali Text Society, 1970-86, 73 Lime Walk, Headington, Oxford
OX3 7AD, England. [This is the (almost) complete English translation of
the original Paali texts.]
Burmese Buddhist Culture, The Initiation of
Novicehood and the Ordination of Monkhood, by Sao Htun Hmat Win,
Department of Religious Affairs, Rangoon, Burma, 1986
The Buddhist Monastic Code, The Patimokkha Training
Rules, translated and explained by Thanissaro Bhikkhu, Metta Forest
Monastery, PO Box 1409, Valley Center, CA 92082, USA (Published for free
distribution, also available on Buddhist WWW sites. See below.) [An
excellent reference book, especially for bhikkhus. The present work relies
on it extensively.]
Buddhist Monastic Discipline, Jotiya
Dhirasekera,Ministry of Higher Education Research Publication Series,
1982, Sri Lanka.
Buddhist Monastic Discipline: The Sanskrit
Praatimoksa Suutras of the Mahaasaa.mghikas and Muulasarvaastivaadins,
by Charles S. Premish, The Pennsylvania State University Press, 1975, ISBN
0-271-01171-8. [Contains two other Patimokkha versions and some background
and a major bibliography.]
The Buddhist Monk's Discipline, Bhikkhu
Khantipalo, Wheel Publication aa130/131, Buddhist Publication Society,
Kandy, Sri Lanka, 1969.
Buddhist Monastic Life -- according to the texts of
the Theravada tradition, Mohan Wijayaratana,Cambridge University Press
1990, ISBN 0 -521 -36428 -0.
Dictionary of Buddhism, Phra Dhammapitok (P. A.
Payutto), Maha- chulalongkorn University,Bangkok, 1995, ISBN 974-8357-89-9
[Mostly in Thai with some very useful English parts. The author is
currently the foremost Buddhist scholar in Thailand.]
The Entrance to the Vinaya, Vinayamukha, in 3
vols, Ven. Somdet (Phra Maha Samana Chao Krom Phraya) Vajiranyanavarorasa,
Mahamakut Rajavidyalaya Press, Bangkok, 1969-83. [Standard Thai Vinaya
Commentary for bhikkhus, translated into English.]
Forest Monks and the Nation-State, An
Anthropological and Historical Study in Northeastern Thailand, J.L.
Taylor, ISEAS 1993, ISBN 981-3016-49-3. [A knowledgeable, if technical
study, showing the interaction between a group of forest monks and society
at large.]
A Guide to Buddhist Monasteries and Meditation
Centres in Thailand, by Bill Weir, Third Edition, 1991, World
Fellowship of Buddhists, 33 Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok 10110, Thailand. [Also
contains information on the etiquette and practicalities of staying in
Thai monasteries.]
The Heritage Of The Sangha, The lifestyle and
training of the Buddhist religious community, by Thiradhammo Bhikkhu.
['Newly-revised' Edition, December 1996, in Manuscript]
An Introduction to Buddhism, Teachings, history and
practices, by Peter Harvey, Cambridge University Press, 1990, ISBN
0521 31333 3
Introduction to the Patimokkha Rules, translated
and explained by Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Geoffrey DeGraff), Metta Forest
Monastery, PO Box 1409, Valley Center, CA 92082, USA. (For free
distribution from the WWW.) [See Appendix B]
Lay Buddhist Practice, by Bhikkhu
Khantipalo,Wheel No. 206/207, Buddhist Publication Society, Kandy, Sri
Lanka, 1982.
A Lay Buddhist's Guide to the Monks' Code of
Conduct, Serpentine Buddhist Monastery, Lot 1 Kingsbury Drive,
Serpentine, WA 6205, Australia.(Also: Bodhinyanarama Monastery, 17 Rakau
Grove, Stokes Valley, Wellington, New Zealand.) [Pamphlet]
The Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha,
translated by Bhikkhu Ñaa.namoli and Bhikkhu Bodhi, Wisdom Publications,
1995. ISBN 0-86171-072-X [A superb translation from the original Paali
offering many authentic views of the ancient life of bhikkhus.]
Navakovaada. Instructions for Newly-ordained
Bhikkhus and Saamaneras, compiled by Ven. Somdet (Phra Mahaa Samana
Chao Krom Phraya) Vajiranyanavarorasa, Mahamakut Rajavidyalaya Press, Phra
Sumeru Road, Bangkok 10200, Thailand, 1990. Translated from the Thai
original. [A good though somewhat condensed guide to the Paa.timokkha
Rule, suitable for lay people.]
Observances, Wat Pah Nanachat, Ban Bung Wai,
Ubon Ratchathani 34310, Thailand. [Pamphlet]
Ordination Procedure and the Preliminary duties of a
New Bhikkhu, by Ven. Somdet (Phra Mahaa Samana Chao Krom Phraya)
Vajiranyanavarorasa, translated by Bhikkhu Thanissaro and Bhikkhu
Kantasilo, Mahamakut Rajavidyalaya Press, Phra Sumeru Road, Bangkok 10200,
Second Edition, 1989.
The Paa.timokkha, trans. by Ven. Ñaa.namoli
Thera, Mahamakut Rajavidyalaya Press, Bangkok, 1966; Second Edition 1969.
Vinaya in Theravada Temples in the United States,
Journal of Buddhist Ethics, Volume 1: 1994: Discussion Article, by Paul
David Numrich.
WWW resources: Access to Insight is an excellent
starting point: http://www.accesstoinsight.org/
º Demonstrating how all the Buddhist Traditions
still preserve the Vinaya texts:
Advice from Buddha Shakyamuni concerning a Monk's
Discipline, An Abridged Exposition of the Bhikshu's Precepts, by
Tenzin Gyatso, translated by Tsepak Rigzin and Glen H. Mullin, Library of
Tibetan Works and Archives, Dharamsala, 1982.
The Bhikshu Pratimoksha Precepts, from The Four-Part
Vinaya of the Dharmagupta School, translated by The Buddhist Text
Translation Society, Tathagata Monastery, City of Ten Thousand Buddhas,
Talmage, California, 95481-0217, USA
Abhiññaa: Supernormal Powers; Higher Knowledges.
AAcariya: teacher. The
senior monk who 'gives' the precepts to the candidate-bhikkhu. The senior
monk on whom a young bhikkhu depends for instruction. (See
Nissaya.)
Adhikara.nasamatha: These are the last seven
'rules' (really 'procedures') of the Paatimokkha's 227 rules, which
list the ways to settle disputes in the Sa"ngha.
Alajjii: shameless; referring to monks who do
not care about keeping the Rule.
Anagarika: Homeless One; in some places a
'postulant' wearing white robes and keeping Eight Precepts. (See
Appendix A)
Aniyata: The section of rules that are
undetermined or indefinite, and require Community inquiry.
AApatti: offence; the act -- either physical or
verbal -- of breaking any of the ordinances or rules set down by the
Buddha.
Añjalii: showing respect by raising both hands,
palms together, up towards the chest or face.
Bhante: general term of address for a bhikkhu,
meaning "Venerable Sir".
Bhikkhu: a male mendicant who has been formally
accepted into the Bhikkhu Sa"ngha and is training under the
Paa.timokkha Rule; Buddhist monk. In this work bhikkhu and monk are
used interchangeably.
Bhikkhunii: a female mendicant equivalent to
bhikkhu, but the ordination lineage has been lost in the Theravaada for
many centuries.
Brahmacariya: the Holy Life of celibacy and
strict chastity found in the Eight, Ten and Bhikkhu's Precepts.
Cetiya or Chedi (Thai): bell-shaped stupa
or reliquary with a tapering spire, also known as pagoda.
Daana: giving, generosity, almsgiving.
Dasasiila mata nuns: ordained Buddhist nuns
living the Brahmacariya based on the Ten Precepts.
Defeat: see Paaraajika
Devadatta, Ven. Devadatta: a bhikkhu in
the time of the Buddha who tried to cause a schism in the Sa"ngha.
Dhamma: the Teachings and Way of the Buddha; the Truth,
the Law, etc.
Dhuta"nga (Paali);
Tudong (Thai): Often refers to the forest monk's way of life, his
wandering through forests and living at the foot of trees. It more
literally refers to the 'austere practices' which are 'means of shaking
off or removing defilement'. Traditionally (Vism. 59--83) there are
thirteen of these: wearing refuse-rag robes; possessing only the three
robes; eating only alms food; on alms round going from house to house;
eating only one meal a day; eating only from one's alms bowl; refusing
food that comes late; forest dweller's practice; living at the roots of
trees; open-air dweller's practice; charnel-ground dweller's practice;
any-bed user's practice; sitter's practice (of not lying down).
Dukka.ta: wrong-doing, the lightest offence.
Going Forth: See
Ordination
Great Standards (Mahaapadesa): used as
guidelines in deciding if novel or uncertain circumstances accord with the
Dhamma and Vinaya.
Grahp: (Thai) bowing to the floor from the
kneeling position to show high respect.
Group-of-six monks: frequently appearing in the
original setting down of a rule as the first perpetrators.
Invitation: See
Pavaara.naa
Jaataruupa-rajata: gold and silver; money.
Ka.thina: The annual robes-giving ceremony,
offered sometime during the month following the Rains Retreat, normally
during October--November.
Kappiya: making something allowable for a monk.
Ku.ti: a monk's hut or shelter.
Me.n.daka Allowance: for a steward to handle
funds left by absent donors.
Navaka: 'new monk'; a bhikkhu during his first
five years.
Nibbaana: the extinction of the fires of greed,
of hatred and of ignorance; the extinction of all defilements; Deliverance
from all suffering.
Nikaaya: (i) a sect or school; (ii) section of
the Paali Texts
Nissaggiya Paacittiya (Nis. Paac.): an
offence requiring forfeiture of some prohibited article together with
'confession' to another bhikkhu or bhikkhus.
Nissaya: taking
'dependence' on one's Preceptor or Teacher. (See also
Upajjhaaya; AAcariya)
Ordination: 'Going
Forth' from the home life to the life of a bhikkhu; Upasampadaa is
the assembled monk's formal full acceptance of a candidate- bhikkhu into
the Community. Pabbajjaa is the first part of the 'Ordination
Procedure' which gives the new novice or Saama.nera his robes and
the Ten Precepts.
Pabbajjaa: See
Ordination.
Paacittiya (Paac.): 'Confession'; 92
Offences that can be cleared by formal 'confession' to another bhikkhu.
Paali: the ancient Indian language of the
Theravaada Canon, akin to Sanskrit.
Paa.timokkha Rule: The fundamental 227 rules
observed by a bhikkhu. It is recited by a single monk with the
whole Community (of monks) present, every lunar fortnight.
Paaraajika (Paar.):
'Defeat'; The four heaviest, irremediable offences that automatically and
irrevocably end the Bhikkhu-life.
Paatidesaniya: Four Offences 'to be
acknowledged'.
Pavaara.naa: Invitation;
(i) by a donor to supply requisites to a particular bhikkhu; (ii) a
ceremony for the Community of bhikkhus held at the end of the Rains
Retreat.
Pi.n.dapaata: food received in the alms-bowl (of
a bhikkhu); alms-gathering; to go on an almsround.
Preceptor: See
Upajjhaaya
Precepts: The basic guidelines of bodily and
verbal conduct. See Appendix A
Rains Retreat;
Vassa (Paali): the annual three month period during the Monsoon
Season, from the full moon of (usually) July to the full moon of (usually)
October, when all bhikkhus are required to stay in one place. It also is
the measure of years ordained for a Buddhist monk.
Requisites (Parikkhaara): of a bhikkhu
are traditionally: three robes, an alms bowl, a belt, a razor, a needle,
and a water-filter.
Sa"ngha: Community. In this Vinaya book
it usually refers to the 'Bhikkhu Community', either of a specific place
or as a whole. There must be a local community of at least four bhikkhus
before it is a Sa"ngha. (It is also, of course, the third of the
Three Gems and the Three Refuges where it applies to the
ariya-sa"ngha.)
Sa"nghaadisesa (Sa"ngh.): a class of
thirteen very serious offences; to be resolved it requires formal meetings
of the Community and probation of the offending bhikkhu.
Saama.nera: novice; See
Ordination.
Sekhiya: 75 Training Rules concerned with
various aspects of etiquette in dressing, public behavior, accepting and
eating alms food, teaching Dhamma, etc.
Siima: A specially designated area for formal
meetings of the Community of monks.
Steward;
Veyyaavaccakara: acts on behalf of donors to supply allowable items to
a particular bhikkhu(s).
Sugata-span: an ancient measure (from the
Paali) based on the length of the Buddha's cubit or forearm.
Thera: Elder, a bhikkhu for more than ten years.
Theravaada: 'Doctrine of the Elders', is the
name of the oldest form of the Buddha's teachings with texts in the
Paali language. The 'Southern School' of Sri Lanka and South-East
Asia.
Tudong (Thai): See
Dhuta"nga.
Upajjhaaya: Preceptor.
The senior monk who 'sponsors' the candidate- bhikkhu's 'ordination', and
on whom the new bhikkhu will always depend for instruction. (See
AAcariya; Nissaya.)
Upasampadaa: See
Ordination
Upaasaka (m.), Upaasikaa (f.): Lay
devotee who has taken refuge in the Triple Gem and keeps at least the Five
Precepts and avoids wrong livelihood (trading in arms, in living beings,
meat, alcohol and poison).
Uposatha: for bhikkhus this is the fortnightly
Observance Day when the Paa.timokkha Rule is recited. Weekly
Observance Day for Upaasaka- Upaasikaa.
Vandanaa: paying respect or reverence.
Vassa: See Rains
Retreat.
Veyyaavaccakara: See
Steward.
Vihaara: a dwelling place (for monks);
monastery.
Vinaya: the bhikkhu's Discipline which include
the core 227 Paa.timokkha rules together with many other ordinances
for the right living and harmony of the Community of monks.
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