You are here:

Buddhists/Buddhist Marriage Contract

Advertisement

Expert: - 10/13/2009


Question
Im working on a paper and im wondering number one if there is such a thing and the name of it and second if you could give me details about it

Answer
Dear Sasha,

Thank for the opportunity to answer your question. As far as I know, there is no Buddhist Marriage Contract. Marriage is dealt with by the laity. Monks and Nuns are usually not directly involved in marriage ceremonies. At the most, monks or nuns are available for blessings or as the recipients of donations or alms-giving for the purpose of creating merit.

The Buddha himself never presided over any marriages nor laid any rules or regulations about marriages. The most the Buddha ever did was explain what a good wife should be like, what a good husband should be like, and how one should not act improperly in regards to sexual conduct.

I hope I have answered your questions. If you have any further questions or inquiries, I would be more than happy to answer them to the best of my ability. Good luck on your paper!

Sincerely,

Phra Anandapanyo

Buddhists

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Anandapanyo Bhikkhu

Expertise

I can answer questions about Buddhist practice, Buddhist understanding and how to apply Buddhism to daily life. I can help analyze Buddhist sayings and teachings. In addition, I can help with questions Buddhism stories, fables and Vinaya(rules). I have meditated for over 10 years and can help you start with meditation. In addition, I can help provide insight into what to do when you feel that you have hit a wall with your meditation. My main area of expertise is how to think in accordance with Sammaditthi (the right view - and number 1 in the Buddha's Noble Eightfold Path. If I cannot answer your question, I have many able teachers with over 20 years experience to help me, so chances are I will be able to find an answer for you.

Experience

I have been practicing Buddhism for over 13 years. I started studying under various famous Thai Theravada masters. Finally, I met and studied under Phra Acariya Thoon Khippapanyo who has recently passed away on Nov 11, 2008 and is widely accepted as a great Arahant (fully enlightened) teacher of our time. In addition, I have personally read and studied much of the Buddhist scriptures and popular literature available. I have recently undertaken the ordination vows and have become a Buddhist monk in the theravada forest monk tradition. I reside at a temple with many dedicated practitioners and great teachers. I have been practicing training my mind to be aligned with right view (sammaditthi) for over 10 years. I have also been meditating for over 10 years. In my time spent with Acariya Thoon, I learned many things and was able to incorporate them into my life. In addition to practicing Buddhism within temples and my home, I used to own two restaurants and managed commercial real estate. I had to deal with many different and problems. I learned how to use Buddhism to fix my problems, both externally (my environment) and internally (within me).

Organizations
Wat San Fran Dhammaram Temple KPY - a non-profit religious organization

Publications
none

Education/Credentials
Electrical Engineering Degree from the University of California Santa Barbara MBA from San Francisco State

Awards and Honors
none

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.