21-6-2011 Adopting a Monastic Life 出家

The Aura of Wisdom 

By Living Buddha Sheng-yen Lu
Translated by True Buddha Foundation Translation Team (Cheng Yew Chung, Victor Hazen, Dance Smith)

This was translated from Grandmaster Lu's 154th book, 智慧的光環.

CHAPTER 3 - Adopting a Monastic Life

I welcome those with the intention to cultivate to be ordained as monks and nuns. The meaning of adopting a monastic life is so that one can better concentrate on his or her cultivation, focusing solely on the propagation of Dharma. In principle, choosing a monastic life is an act of offering one's body and mind to Sakyamuni Buddha. Therefore this pure act of celibacy is worthy of our praise.
However, not everyone is cut out for this kind of lifestyle. Thus, it is not mandatory that one should lead a monastic life. A practitioner can cultivate as a layperson, as everything should be done naturally. Hence, it is equally good whether you adopt a monastic life or not.
In the True Buddha School, you must consider these three factors when choosing to lead a monastic life:
1. Do you suffer from any handicap or chronic illness? Do you have any mental illness? Do you have a bad record of criminal offenses?
2. Do you have consent from your parents or spouse?
3. Can you undertake the loneliness and simple lifestyle demanded of a life of cultivation?
I feel that these three points are of utmost importance. After you think them through you may qualify for a monastic life.
If after a while you feel that the monastic lifestyle does not suit your preferences, you can always choose to return to the lay life. You are free to choose, and no one can stop you from returning to the layperson's lifestyle. Once you grow your hair, remove your monk's robe or lama outfit, you are just like any layperson. Returning to a lay life is nothing to be ashamed of, as you can still continue with your practice of the True Buddha Tantric Dharma. The only difference is that you have chosen not to practise full time.
Thus, I feel that to lead a monastic life is a bold move, but those lay Buddhists who have attained enlightenment at home are even more remarkable for their achievements.
All my life I have upheld the ideals of freedom and democracy. It would be a crime to impose anything on anyone under the banner of the True Buddha School.

Amituofo
Lotuschef
TBS
Pure Karma Vihara