In recent decades, interest in Buddhism has grown noticeably among the world's population. Maybe because this religion presupposes the most measured and contemplative rhythm of life, which is very, very valuable in our everyday turmoil. That is because everything is exotic (and Buddhism, whatever one may say, is still exotic) is intriguing and attractive.
Quite often we are told tempting phrases such as “Buddhist monk recommends”, “Dalai Lama advice”, etc. Many people are being led to similar messages. And thus they do not gain spiritual knowledge, but on the contrary, are more irritated and sow anger. Who is a Buddhist monk and does he give advice?
A Buddhist monk, as the name implies, is a person who professes Buddhism and has adopted monasticism according to the Vinaya, the code that was left by the Buddha to people. The main principle, or, more precisely, the goal of a Buddhist monk is the knowledge of the Dhamma (that is the name of the path and teachings of the Buddha). However, in addition to studying the higher universe, the Buddhist monk also has an educational mission - to bring knowledge to the laity. He is their teacher and often the only judge on earth who is capable of fairly and according to the laws of his religion to resolve disputes and conflicts of his fellow citizens.
A real monk does not earn a living, but lives off of the alms that the faithful give to the temple. You can become a monk from an early age (about seven years), but Buddhism has been accepting men from 20 years old forever in its fold. At this age, the novice can take a vow, which he will carry throughout his life.
As the reader noted, all novices have shaved heads. This tradition has a deep sacred meaning - the rejection of the pettiness of life and all that is unnecessary. On the other hand, hair constantly requires personal care. And no hair - no problem.
The less personal things a monk has, the closer he is to heaven. Although you can’t do without trifles. The novice is allowed to have a flashlight, a razor, needles with threads, watches and writing tools (pens, pencils). Spiritual shepherds are also vegetarians and forever abandoned the love of women. They are forbidden not only to have intimate relationships with the opposite sex, but even to talk and think about it. At the same time, all monks should avoid communicating with the ladies, so as not to fall into the clutches of temptation.
Buddhist monk on the web: believe or not?
So is it worth it for us, Internet users and adherents of all kinds of social networks, to take for granted everything that lies behind the alluring heading “Tips of a Buddhist Monk”?
It goes without saying that giving advice is entirely according to the calling of Buddhist monks. But, of course, they do not do it on the World Wide Web. No matter how fast the planet progresses, not all of its benefits are accepted by strict followers of Buddhism. In any case, computers and other realities of modern civilization, in principle, do not rely on Buddhist monks. What can I say, even if the clothes of Buddhist monks are striking in their poverty? And there is nothing to be done - these are the rules. A Buddhist monk lives on alms, is maximally detached from the blessings and temptations of worldly life, sacrificing it to strict observance of vows (he has neither more nor less than 227!) And meditations. By the way, it is for the purpose of meditation that such an unusual and beautiful throat singing of Buddhist monks is practiced. It, according to the admission of the pupils of special educational institutions for future lamas (and there are ones in Russia), serves to read some type of prayers. Precisely some, because in Buddhist monasteries even prayers can be of three different kinds.
In general, a Buddhist monk is seriously engaged in serving his God and is very far from blogging and writing messages on the Web. And therefore, everything that was allegedly signed by himself, in fact, is nothing more than a translation, a free retelling, or simply simply interpreted by someone in his own way, the principles of Eastern philosophy (of course, this does not apply to specific sites devoted to Buddhism). Nobody forbids to accept something for themselves: the East, indeed, is not only a delicate matter, but also a wise one. But one should not overestimate the canonicity of such instructions.