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Expert: - 9/8/2008


Question
Dear Mr. Choo,

I have been a student of Buddhism for several years now. From what I have seen and read (including on this site), the life of a Buddhist monk or nun is extremely austere--the purpose is sublime, but austere nonetheless. Is there any other level of ordination into Buddhist clergy that permits one to otherwise work and live in the world? Is there a difference between a Buddhist "monk," and a Buddhist "priest"? I have seen references to both.

It is very kind of you to avail yourself to these questions! Thank you very much,
Billy

Answer
Hi Billy Walsh,

Thanks for asking me.

The Buddha laid down certain rules for those who wanted to be monks.  In Theravada, 227 rules.  In Chinese jargon, to be a monk means "to leave the family".  Monks abide by the rules laid down by the Buddha.  To be a monk, the person simply cannot attend to the affairs of the mundane world.  There would be a lot of conflicts in his lifestyle.  

"Monks" and "priests" are the same.  Asians ausually use the term "monks".   

Justin Choo :-)

[I like to invite you to visit my blog:]
http://lifeislikethat999.blogspot.com/

[And this blog by Rev. Dhammika:]
http://sdhammika.blogspot.com/  

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Justin Choo

Expertise

When in doubt seek it out. All your questions will be answered, and you may not have to agree with the answers. Such is the beauty of Buddhism. You are free to decide. I follow the Theravada tradition, and have been studying Buddhism for more than 40 years. Please view my profile for more details. I have answered more than 1500 questions since joining this category. You may like to give me the honor to answer your question.

Experience

I was brought up in the 50's as a Buddhist. For the past 40 years I have read numerous books on Buddhism and listened to numerous talks on Buddhism by well-respected and learned monks and lay teachers. I conduct Buddhist classes for parents of Sunday School children in a Theravada Buddhist Temple. My teacher was the late Chief Reverend, The Ven. K Sri Dhammananda of The Brickfields Buddhist Mahavihara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. You can view the relevent website in memory of my revered late teacher @ http://www.ksridhammananda.com

Organizations
I am a life member of the Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia.

Publications
YOU ARE INVITED TO VISIT MY BLOG @ http://lifeislikethat999.blogspot.com/ Published a book called "The Rainbow And The Treasure". It is a compilation of extracts from various sources to introduce Buddhism to beginners. (Currently out of print)

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Commerce And Administration, Victoria University Of Wellington, NZ.(1974)

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