Monastic Life
A treasury of information about the joys and challenges of life as a Buddhist monastic.
All Posts in Monastic Life
Question and answer session with nuns in Indonesia
Questions on various topics including gender equality of monastics, relating to the spiritual teacher and…
View PostSupporting monastics in the West
Long-time practitioner Kathleen Herron (also known as Zopa) shares her Dharma adventures as a lay…
View PostBuilding community the monastic way
Monastics of different traditions discussed the importance of harmonious community life and ways in which…
View PostThe Buddha’s advice to laypeople
The purpose of institutions and the importance of showing respect for the Buddha's teachings.
View PostWindows of opportunity
Learning the Dharma helps set a clear motivation, helping us to see when windows of…
View PostAdapting monastic precepts to culture
Society has changed since the Buddha's time. Examining what precepts would have been given for…
View PostThe view of the middle way
Middle way (or Madhyamaka) philosophy: the view of reality free from the extremes of absolutism…
View PostVisualizations and Brahma’s request
Practical advice on how to use visualization practices to overcome hurt, resentment, and guilt from…
View PostAnger and selflessness
Examining our speech and the way our mind proliferates. How we grasp at true existence.
View PostWomen in Buddhism: Levels of ordination
Working towards gender equality in Western Buddhism: bringing up issues respectfully.
View PostCommunity life and causality
Living with the attitude of "what can I give" as our daily meditation. Training to…
View PostThe Buddha’s awakening
Continuing the story of the Buddha's life and his awakening, and how we can become…
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