Monastic Life
A treasury of information about the joys and challenges of life as a Buddhist monastic.
All Posts in Monastic Life
Venerable Thubten Chodron 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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Sexuality and celibacy
The precept of celibacy and the repercussions of unwise sexual behavior.
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Origin of the Mahayana sutras
There are records of Buddhist teachings in oral and written form through time. Were they…
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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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Development of the traditions
The spread of Buddhism: ideas from Pali tradition to Mahayana tradition.
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Living in monastic community
Respecting others' spiritual practice and spiritual yearning. Trusting the wisdom of the group.
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Tenzin Chogkyi 
Monastic precepts
Classification of vows for fully ordained monastics and disciplinary measures.
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Evolution of the monastic community
The sangha from Buddha's time to the present day, from wandering mendicants to community.
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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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The Buddha’s life
Apply the lessons we learn from the Buddha's life. How he lived is a teaching…
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Western monastic life
Monastics from different traditions practicing in the West discuss aspects of training, precepts, community life,…
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