Exploring Monastic Life 2006

The history of the sangha and the precepts, different Buddhist traditions, and the benefits of ordination.

All Posts in Exploring Monastic Life 2006

Painting of Siddhartha and disciple.
Exploring Monastic Life 2006

The Buddha’s life

Apply the lessons we learn from the Buddha's life. How he lived is a teaching…

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Lay people kneeling, taking precepts.
Exploring Monastic Life 2006

History of the eight Mahayana precepts

We take the precepts to stop gross harm to sentient beings and to reduce distractions…

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Young Tibetan nun, smiling.
Exploring Monastic Life 2006

Evolution of the monastic community

The sangha from Buddha's time to the present day, from wandering mendicants to community.

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Nun studying.
Exploring Monastic Life 2006

Monastic precepts

Classification of vows for fully ordained monastics and disciplinary measures.

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Venerable Chogkyi with an EML participant.
Exploring Monastic Life 2006

Doing long retreat

Learning to live without constant ego-gratifying feedback.

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Venerable Damcho and visiting nuns, cooking.
Exploring Monastic Life 2006

Living in monastic community

Respecting others' spiritual practice and spiritual yearning. Trusting the wisdom of the group.

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Maroon robes.
Exploring Monastic Life 2006

The development of the Mahayana tradition

How the various traditions build upon each other. The different ways of seeing the spiritual…

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Maroon robes.
Exploring Monastic Life 2006

Origin of the Mahayana sutras

There are records of Buddhist teachings in oral and written form through time. Were they…

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Thai monk sitting outside next to alms bowl, meditating.
Exploring Monastic Life 2006

Sexuality and celibacy

The precept of celibacy and the repercussions of unwise sexual behavior.

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Sand mandala.
Exploring Monastic Life 2006

The development of Tantra in Buddhism

The evolution of the various classes of tantra, how culture relates to tantra, and how…

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Tibetan monk performing tantric ritual.
Exploring Monastic Life 2006

Tantra in practice

History and comparison of Buddhist and non-Buddhist forms of tantra and the uniqueness of the…

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