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 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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Bhikkhu Bodhi Whatever happened to the monastic Sangha?
Examining the role of monastics in Western culture, especially as torch-bearers of the Dharma.
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