Kiaya
Nickens
Mr.
Sanchez
Christian
in the World-p.8
March
17, 2013
Extra Credit:
The Monastic Community
1.
Why might it be easier to practice Buddhism if you're a monk or a nun?
It might be easier to
practice Buddhism because monks and nuns are already have taken an oath to the of
disciplinary rules called the Vinaya. A disciplinary code called the Patimokkha
was also compiled in order to regulate the day-to-day conduct of the members of
the Order. The difficulty that is to take the oath for all Buddhists, nuns and
monks have already taken that oath as a lifestyle. Monks and nuns have taken an
oath to sexual intercourse, theft, taking of a human life, false proclamation
of miraculous powers. All of these oaths that the individuals of the Order must
take and also must maintain the monks and nuns have already committed to living
the lifestyle.
Another reason why
monks and nuns may have an easier time practicing Buddhism. Because monks and
nuns have devoted their lives to solitude and to focusing their life to their
religion. But implementing their lifestyle into their practice of Buddhism that
will make their devotion to their religion will be a great devotion to the
religion in general.
2.
What are the main differences between the rules for a Theravadin monk/nun and a
monk/nun in the Tibetan tradition?
A
Theravadin monk/nun -Buddhism is unique among Indian
Religions in that Buddha, as founder of a spiritual tradition, explicitly
states in canonical literature that a woman is as capable of nirvana
(enlightenment) as a man, and can fully attain all four stages of enlightenment
in the Dhamma and Vinaya of the Buddha Sasana. There is no equivalent, in other
traditions, of the Therigatha or Apadanas which record the high levels of spiritual
attainment by women.
This
is different in Tibetan tradition monk/nun -In recent years,
due to the repressive conditions in Tibet, an influx of nuns have arrived to
join the refugee communities in India and Nepal. Ranging in age from pre-teen
to mid-eighties, these nuns come from all parts of Tibet and from many
different backgrounds. Upon arrival in India, many nuns are suffering severely
from the stresses of their long, arduous and often dangerous journeys of
escape. Some have faced torture and imprisonment at the hands of the Chinese
authorities in Tibet and are enduring immense physical and emotional pain. In
most cases, the nuns arrive without money or possessions. In this Indian
religion women play a more submissive role.
3.
Could any rules governing the lives of monks/nuns be modified or done away with
altogether, without compromising the purpose and integrity of ordination? If
so, which ones and why?
Yes, I do believe that
the rules of governing the lives of monks/nuns . The one law that I believe should
be changed is the following: They must respect the leadership of
the Party and government, respect the Socialist system, strenuously study
relevant official policies and voluntarily accept the leadership and oversight
of government offices at all levels. The reason for this is because although
they have devoted their lives to their religion doesn’t mean they should not be
allowed to voice their opinion about the social and political structure of
society.
Korean Buddhist Nuns from the Choir ^^
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