Monastic Life

A treasury of information about the joys and challenges of life as a Buddhist monastic.

All Posts in Monastic Life

Stupas and prayer flags in dharamsala.
A Nun's Life

Gender equality/inequality in Buddhism

How our own minds create our experience of gender equality. Addressing "problematic" text, situation of…

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Venerable teaching at Thosamling.
Western Monastics

Adjusting to monastic life

Important elements in forming a community: how to cultivate an attitude of transparency and how…

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Ven. Jampa Tsedroen, Ven. Heng-Ching Shih, Ven. Lekshe Tsomo and Ven. Chodron.
Tibetan Tradition

The Committee of Western Bhikshunis

A group created at the request of H.H. the Dalai Lama to research how to…

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Venerable in the Abbey garden area with participants of EML 2006.
Exploring Monastic Life 2006

Benefits of ordination

The benefits of ordination include incredible accumulation of merit, freedom to dedicate life to practice,…

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Monk sweeping monstery grounds.
Exploring Monastic Life 2006

Keeping the mind on spiritual practice

Guarding the sense doors and living in perfect morality with introspective alertness.

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Monk sweeping monstery grounds.
Exploring Monastic Life 2006

Keeping ethical conduct

How to face hindrances with a clear and strong mind, what to practice and what…

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Monk sweeping monstery grounds.
Exploring Monastic Life 2006

“The Fruits of the Homeless Life”

A sutra that describes the benefits of renouncing lay life. The background for the teachings…

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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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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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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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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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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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