Expert: Justin Choo - 6/11/2010

Question
QUESTION: are you only called Buddhist Monks? or is there another name?

ANSWER: Hi Jane,

I am sure you know this; people who follow the Buddha's teachings are called Buddhists.

Those who choose to commit themselves full-time in pursuit of Buddhism and to live in Buddhist temples or Buddhist centres and to abide by the rules of living as monks, are more commonly known as "monks".  Others may choose to use the term "priests" or "Buddhist priests".  I would deem it more appropriate to use "monks". Here we are talking about the English term.  In English speaking community, we also use Reverend and Venerable.

In the Buddhist community, different traditions and nationalities use different terms for monks.  So please don't be surprised if you come across the different terms.

Hope this helps.

Justin Choo

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for answering the question I asked earlier. but i would just like to know if Buddhist people were allowed to be homosexual. I do not mean to cause any offense but it's for my school assignment and it would help me get a good mark.
Thanks

Answer
Hi Jane,

There is nothing to offend me.  You can ask any question you like and I promise I shall provide you the answer.  However I don't expect you to agree with all of them.  

Coming back to your question; there is nothing in Buddhism that is not allowed.  The Buddha just pointed out what is wholesome and what is unwholesome.  Anyone who chooses to act unwholesomely must also be prepared to face unwholesome results.  Buddhism is about how to live a contented life and how to experience inner peace.  Whether the person is homosexual or not is not our business.  So long as he is a harmless person and live a harmless life, who are we to judge him?  

In every situation, I provide this acid test in 3 steps:
1. Is the action harmful to oneself?
2. Is the action harmful to others?
3. Is the action beneficial?

Hope this helps.

Take care and have fun in your school assignment.

Justin Choo