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Reasons for monastic precepts

Reasons for monastic precepts

A talk given during Sravasti Abbey’s annual Exploring Monastic Life program in 2007.

Why establish precepts

  • To promote harmony within the sangha
    • To direct the monastics
    • To make monastics peaceful and happy
    • To protect monastics
  • To transform the society
    • To inspire those without faith
    • To advance the practice of those with faith
  • To bring about individual liberation
    • To restrain the restive
    • To stabilize those with a sense of integrity
    • To eliminate present defilements
    • To prevent defilements from arising in the future
  • The ultimate goal
    • For the Dharma to be forever sustained

Exploring Monastic Life 2007: Session 8b (download)

Questions and answers

  • Support from lay followers
  • Ultimate purpose of ordination
  • Confessing vows that were not completely broken
  • Monastic confession in a mixed community

Exploring Monastic Life 2007: Session 8b Q&A (download)

Venerable Thubten Chodron

Venerable Chodron emphasizes the practical application of Buddha’s teachings in our daily lives and is especially skilled at explaining them in ways easily understood and practiced by Westerners. She is well known for her warm, humorous, and lucid teachings. She was ordained as a Buddhist nun in 1977 by Kyabje Ling Rinpoche in Dharamsala, India, and in 1986 she received bhikshuni (full) ordination in Taiwan. Read her full bio.

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