THE SANGHA
Project Gutenberg EPUB edition
Olcott, Henry Steel
256. Q. How do Buddhist Bhikkhus differ from the priests of other religions?
A. In other religions the priests claim to be intercessors between men and God, to help to obtain pardon of sins; the Buddhist Bhikkhus do not acknowledge or expect anything from a divine power.
257. Q. But why then was it worth while to create this Order, or Brotherhood, or Society, apart from the whole body of the people, if they were not to do what other religious orders do?
A. The object in view was to cause the most virtuous, intelligent, unselfish and spiritually-minded persons to withdraw from the social surroundings where their sensual and other selfish desires were naturally strengthened, devote their lives to the acquisition of the highest wisdom, and fit themselves to teach and guide others out of the pleasant path leading towards misery, into the harder path that leads to true happiness and final liberation.
258. Q. Besides the Eight, what two additional observances are obligatory upon the Bhikkhus?
A. I observe the precept to abstain from dancing, singing and unbecoming shows.
I observe the precept to abstain from receiving gold or silver.
The whole Dasa, or Bhikkhu Sīla or Ten Precepts, are binding on all Bhikkhus and Samaneras, or novices, but optional with lay devotees.
The Atthanga Sīla are for those who aspire to higher stages beyond the heavenly regions,[1] aspirants after Nirvāna.
259. Q. Are there separate Rules and Precepts for the guidance and discipline of the Order?
A. Yes: there are 250, but all come under the following four heads:
Principal Disciplinary Rules {Pātimokkha Samvara Sīla).
Observances for the repression of the senses (Indriya Samvara Sīla).
Regulations for justly procuring and using food, diet, robes, etc., (Paccaya Sannissita Sīla).
Directions for leading an unblemished life (Ajivapari Suddha Sīla).
260. Q. Enumerate some crimes and offences that Bhikkhus are particularly prohibited from committing?
A. Real Bhikkhus abstain from:
Destroying the life of beings;
Stealing;
False exhibition of "occult" powers to deceive anybody;
Sexual intercourse;
Falsehood;
The use of intoxicating liquors, and eating at unseasonable times;
Dancing, singing, and unbecoming shows;
Using garlands, scents, perfumes, etc.;
Using high and broad beds, couches, or seats; receiving presents of gold, silver, raw grain and meat, women, and maidens, slaves, cattle, elephants, etc.;
Defaming;
Using harsh and reproachful language;
Idle talk;
Reading and hearing fabulous stories and tales;
Carrying messages to and from laymen;
Buying and selling;
Cheating, bribing, deception, and fraud;
Imprisoning, plundering, and threatening others;
The practice of certain specified magical arts and sciences, such as fortune-telling, astrological predictions, palmistry, and other sciences, that go under the name of magic. Any of these would retard the progress of one who aimed at the attainment of Nirvāna.
261. Q. What are the duties of Bhikkhus to the laity?
A. Generally, to set them an example of the highest morality; to teach and instruct them; to preach and expound the Law; to recite the Paritta (comforting texts) to the sick, and publicly in times of public calamity, when requested to do so; and unceasingly to exhort the people to virtuous actions. They should dissuade them from vice; be compassionate and tender-hearted, and seek to promote the welfare of all beings.
262. Q. What are the rules for admission into the Order?
A. The candidate is not often taken before his tenth year; he must have the consent of his parents; be free from leprosy, boils, consumption and fits; be a free man; have no debts; and must not be a criminal or deformed or in the royal service.
263. Q. As a novice what is he called?