Buddhists/Budddhism

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Expert: - 12/7/2009


Question
What are the traditions of Buddhism and what are the requirements to be a Buddhist Monks?

Answer
Dear Uzzzz,

There are many traditions of Buddhism.

The two main branches are Theravada and Mahayana.

Theravada is the oldest tradition and bases its teachings on the original teachings of the Buddha.

Mahayana can be fond in Eastern Asia and focuses on becoming Bodhisattvas or future Buddhas.


In order to be a Buddhist monk, you must

1. Find a group you like and want to join
2. Find a Uppachaya (preceptor) to give you the 227 precepts
3. Take the vows of monkhood with you Uppachaya in front of a Sangha of monks - 4+ monks
4. Life the life of chastity and follow all the rules and precepts for monks.

Becoming a monk is not too hard. Staying a monk is challenging. Leaving the monkhood is easy. However, as a side note, things that are done wrong as a monk have a higher degree of negative karma than if done as a layperson. So being a monk is risky for yourself if you are not ready to take on the precepts and live the holy life. On the other hand, if you are willing to work to be a monk, the holy life can help propel your practice and accelerate you towards the cessation of suffering.

I hope I have answered your questions.

Sincerely,

Phra Anandapanyo  

Buddhists

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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

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