Vinaya

Teachings on the monastic code of ethical discipline and precepts as set out by the Buddha 2,500 years ago and how they are lived in the present-day context.

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Abbey monastics performing varsa ceremony.
Monastic Rites

Varṣa skandhaka

The varṣa skandhaka deals with the annual rains retreat for monastics and the rules to…

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Easy Path to Travel to Omniscience

Ethical conduct and precepts

The higher training of ethical conduct: the eight types of precepts taken for liberation, and…

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Statues of bhikkhunīs facing Mahāpajāpatī Gotamī Wat Thepthidaram, Bangkok
Theravada Tradition

The controversy on bhikkhunī ordination

A detailed look at the arguments for and against the revival of bhikkhunī ordination in…

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Exploring Monastic Life 2014

Purpose of precepts

How the monks' and nuns' vows were created by the Buddha to create harmony in…

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Exploring Monastic Life 2014

Establishing precepts

The sometimes unusual origin stories of the monastic precepts help to explain the practical meanings,…

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Theravada Tradition

Spiritual liberation

A community of Buddhist nuns, the Order of Siladhara, provides opportunity for women seeking the…

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Cropped cover of "The Legality of Bhikkhuni Ordination" showing Bhikkhuni Sanghamitra with Bodhi Trree.
Theravada Tradition

The legality of bhikkhunī ordination

Looking at the legal issues surrounding the revival of full ordination for nuns.

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Exploring Monastic Life 2013

Development of the first sangha

Stories of the early monastic community and how the guidelines became established.

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Exploring Monastic Life 2013

Entire path to enlightenment

How negative actions and virtues affect initial, middle and high-level practitioners differently.

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Exploring Monastic Life 2013

Working with the mind in a structured way

An explanation of diligent study and practice of the Dharma with practical ways of working…

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Exploring Monastic Life 2013

Training the mind in contentment

Conviction in the Buddhist worldview to direct our time and energy appropriately.

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