Buddhism - the oldest teaching of the East. What should be a Buddhist monk?

In recent decades, interest in Buddhism has been growing among the population of the planet. Either because this religion presupposes the most measured and philosophical rhythm of life, which in our daily turmoil is very, very valuable. Whether because all the exotic (and Buddhism, whatever one may say, is still exotic) intrigues and attracts.

Quite often we are told tempting phrases such as "Buddhist monk recommends", "advice of the Dalai Lama", etc. Many people are being led to such reports. And thus they do not acquire spiritual knowledge, but on the contrary, they become more irritated and sow anger. Who is such a Buddhist monk and does he give advice?

A Buddhist monk, as the name suggests, is a person who professes Buddhism and has adopted monasticism according to Vinaya - the code left by Buddha to people. The basic principle, or, more precisely, the goal of a Buddhist monk is the knowledge of the Dhamma (this is the name and path of the Buddha's teachings). However, in addition to studying the higher world, the Buddhist monk also has an enlightening mission - to bring knowledge to the lay people. He is their teacher and is often the only judge on earth who is able to resolve disputes and conflicts of his fellow citizens fairly and according to the laws of his religion.

A real monk does not make a living, but lives by charity, which is given to the church by believers. You can become a monk from an early age (about seven years), but Buddhism accepts men from the age of 20 forever. At this age, the novice can make a vow that will be borne throughout his life.

As the reader has noticed, all novices have shaved heads. This tradition has a deep sacred meaning - a rejection of the pettiness of life and everything unnecessary. On the other hand, the hair constantly needs to take care of itself. And no hair - no problem.

The less personal things a monk has, the closer he is to the sky. Although you can not do without trifles. The novice is allowed to have a flashlight, a razor, needles with threads, watches and writing tools (pens, pencils). Also spiritual pastors are vegetarians and have for ever abandoned the love of women. They are forbidden not only to have intimate relations with the opposite sex, but even talk and think about it. In this case, all monks should avoid communication with the ladies, so as not to fall into the clutches of temptation.

Buddhist monk on the web: believe it or not?

So is it worth for us, Internet users and adherents of all kinds of social networks, to take on faith all that lies behind the alluring title "Buddhist Monk Tips"?

It goes without saying that giving advice is entirely according to the vocation of Buddhist monks. But, of course, they do it not in the World Wide Web. No matter how many leaps forward 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 to Buddhist monks in principle do not rely. What can we talk about here, even if the clothes of Buddhist monks amaze with their poverty? And there's nothing to be done about it - these are the rules. The Buddhist monk lives on alms, is most detached from the blessings and temptations of worldly life, sacrificing it to strict observance of vows (they have neither much nor little 227!) And meditations. By the way, it is with the purpose of meditation that such unusual and beautiful throat singing by Buddhist monks is practiced. It is, according to the recognition of students of special educational institutions for future lamas (and there are such in Russia), it serves to read a certain type of prayer. It is some, because in Buddhist monasteries, even the recitation of prayers is of three different kinds.

In general, a Buddhist monk is seriously engaged in the service of his God and is very far from maintaining all sorts of blogs and writing messages on the Web. Therefore, everything that is allegedly signed by himself is in fact nothing more than a translation, a free retelling, or even simply a different interpretation of some of the principles of Eastern philosophy (of course, this does not concern specific sites dedicated to Buddhism). To accept something for themselves, no one prohibits: the east, indeed, it is not only a delicate matter, but also a wise one. But also to overestimate canonicity of such instructions too it is not necessary.