What religion do Buddhist monks practice? Buddhism - what is unique about this religion? The history of the emergence of Buddhism

In VI Art. BC e. At 29, he gave up his wealth and voluntarily left the palace. Becoming a hermit, Gautama devoted himself to thinking about the meaning of life, as a result of which he became enlightened (Buddha). Until a very old age, he preached his teaching, the meaning of which was reduced to self-restraint and meditation in order to achieve the highest degree of bliss (nirvana).

The prevalence of Buddhism

Gradually Buddhism became popular in a number of Asian countries. Today it is practiced in India, China, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Korea, Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, Japan, Mongolia, Laos, as well as in some regions of Russia (in Kalmykia, Tuva, Buryatia). According to researchers, there are approximately 800 million adherents of Buddhism in the modern world. Of these, about 1 million people are monks who have renounced the blessings of civilization and devoted themselves to following the commandments of Gautama. To a simple layman, they may seem like special people whose lives are shrouded in secrets. But is it really so? Let's find out who are Buddhist monks and how they live.

Nutrition Features

Monks who practice Buddhism live in monasteries. Every day they follow a strict schedule, deviation from which is considered a great sin. Buddhist monks wake up at 6 am and start their day with prayer. After it is over, they proceed to breakfast, consisting of products brought to the temple by local residents. Hermits do not get or cook food for themselves; according to the prescriptions of religion, they should eat only what they get from believers in the form of alms. In some countries, after prayer, the monks go through the streets of the city to beg. The food given to them by the townspeople will become their breakfast. By tradition, they must eat everything on their plate, even if the food has already gone bad.

The rules of Buddhist monks allow them to eat twice a day: early in the morning and at noon. After dinner, they are only allowed to drink water and herbal infusions. The inhabitants of the monastery eat only modest foods, food for them is not a pleasure, but a source of vitality. The diet of Buddhist monks consists mainly of plant foods, but there are also limitations. Hermits very rarely eat garlic and onions, as it is believed that these spices increase sexual desire, and this is unacceptable for them. The monks are not vegetarians, but they can only eat meat if they are sure that the animal was not killed for food. But alcohol, tobacco and drugs are strictly prohibited.

The ban on eating after noon exists for a reason. At this time, Buddhist monks are engaged in self-improvement, meditation and reading religious literature (tripitaka), and a stomach filled with food will prevent them from concentrating their thoughts in the right direction. Also, after dinner, they receive believers who come to the temple to provide material assistance, pray or receive a blessing.

Things Needed to Achieve Nirvana

The community of Buddhist monks lives a very ascetic life. It must clearly follow the postulates of religion, which says that a person needs only 3 things for a normal life: food, clothing and a roof over his head. Everything else is considered superfluous and hinders the achievement of nirvana. Unfortunately, today's monasteries do not respect the Buddhist rules as much as their predecessors, and often acquire mobile phones, computers, and even personal cars. Truly righteous monks, who strictly observe all the rules of religion, are becoming less and less every year.

Appearance

Buddhist monks look very unusual. The photos in which they are depicted allow you to consider their appearance. Monks always appear before the people bald. They shave their heads, believing that the time spent washing, cutting and combing their hair is best devoted to inner self-improvement and the search for the path to nirvana.

The traditional clothing of Buddhist monks consists of an upper cape that covers the torso and left shoulder, and an inner sarong that wraps around the hips and hides the legs. In countries with a cold climate, monks are allowed to wear warm stoles over religious attire. They usually dye their clothes in such bright colors as curry, saffron and cumin. Sometimes you can meet hermits in clothes of gray and black shades.

Who can take a vow?

Before becoming a Buddhist monk, a person needs to spend several years in the status of a novice. Not only men can take a vow, but also women who decide to devote themselves to religion. Any child who has reached the age of seven is allowed to become a novice of the monastery. But only an adult who is 20 years old from the moment of conception or 19 years and 3 months after his birthday can take the veil as a monk.

Basic rules of the monks

Anyone who enters the community is obliged to give up all earthly pleasures, leave his family and all his wealth. From now on, the main rules for him are: do not kill, do not steal, do not drink alcohol, do not lie, do not commit adultery, do not sing and dance, do not rest on a soft bed, do not be greedy, do not eat at the wrong hour, do not use things that have a strong scent.

Throughout their lives, Buddhist monks have the right to return home 3 times to solve important matters or to help their relatives. Every time after that, at the appointed time, they are obliged to take their place in the monastery. If a person takes a vow and then changes his mind and renounces it, he will be condemned by society.

Self-immolation of a Buddhist monk

Throughout its history, Buddhism has been repeatedly subjected to oppression. One of his most ardent defenders was Thich Quang Duc, a Vietnamese monk who committed an act of self-immolation in protest against the persecution of religion by President Ngo Dinh Diem. On June 10, 1963, a huge crowd of monks appeared in the center of Saigon (the old name of Ho Chi Minh City), carrying banners calling for an end to the oppression of Buddhists. At the head of the procession was a blue car driven by Thich Quang Duc. Not far from the presidential palace, on a crowded street, the car stopped. Together with Thich Quang Duc, 2 monks came out of it. One of them laid a soft pillow on the pavement, and the second took a can of gasoline out of the car.

Thich sat down on a place prepared for him on the ground in a lotus position, after which one of the participants in the action poured fuel over him. Reading a prayer, the monk lit a match and set himself on fire. He flared up like a torch, but until the last he remained sitting with a straight back in the lotus position. After 10 minutes, his body was completely destroyed by fire. The journalists managed to capture the self-immolation of a Buddhist monk on film. Pictures of flaming Thich Kuang Duc spread around the world and loudly announced the presence of serious religious problems in the country.

Diana Moiseenko, RIA Novosti.

Buddhist monk Felix Shvedovsky does not look like Muscovites: a shaved head, white and orange monastic clothes and a thoughtful look. A graduate of the Faculty of Journalism of Moscow State University, he deliberately abandoned his career for the sake of religion - for ten years he did not work, since, according to tradition, monks live exclusively on alms and wander.

However, for the past three years, Felix has been a researcher at the Center for Japanese Studies at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences in order to continue studying the culture of the country, which led him to Buddhism.

A monk's day is different, but it begins and ends with prayers, which he reads not only at home, but also on the street. Passers-by take Felix for an eccentric when he, playing the drum, walks along the city boulevards and avenues, someone looks away, and someone, on the contrary, questions him with interest about his lifestyle.

Nevertheless, Felix does not regret his choice, despite the difficulties that an unusual person has to face in Russia's largest metropolis. The heavy atmosphere of the capital "presses" on the monk, but he does not want to move to another city, because "the heart of the country is the best place to pray for its people."

Finding yourself

In Felix's house, every object speaks of the owner's personality: incense sticks, a small prayer bell, images of the Buddha, a mandala (a sacred symbol for prayer and meditation), candles, photographs from India, China and Japan, where he was with his teacher - known for his peacemaking by the Japanese Junsei Terasawa. “We met him in 1993 when I needed someone to help me on my path to improvement. Before that, I did not belong to any religion. I had questions about how to help my country, my loved ones, just like the Buddha had questions about how to find a way to get rid of suffering when he saw that there is old age and death in the world,” Felix admits.

He had to go a long way before earning the trust of Terasawa and becoming a monk - constantly praying and staying in the temple. “Now I am responsible for the whole world, and this is daily and hard work,” says Felix.

According to him, Buddhism is not widely spread in Moscow, but there are about a dozen different directions of this religion in the city. “The teaching of the Buddha is so great and versatile that everyone accepts some of its parts, but there is no concept of apostasy for us - everyone is equal,” the monk explains.

As Felix says, Buddhists do not try to introduce Muscovites to their culture, “after all, the purpose of the Buddha’s teaching is not to make people Buddhists, but to pray for the world and pay respect to a person as he is.”

“My wife and son are Christians and we have never had religious conflicts. It doesn't matter to us what religion a person professes. Buddhism teaches you to understand people and constantly improve yourself,” explains the monk.

He does not condemn those for whom Buddhism has become just a fashion trend, but encourages people to study the features of religion more deeply if they decide to connect their lives with it.

“Now even self-improvement has become a business. Yoga, psychological courses - all this is not real, since it is done for money. In everything, you should try to see the essence, and not just fashion, ”says Felix.

Fight for a common cause

According to the monk, the Buddhists of the Nipponzan Mehoji order, to which he belongs, gather together on the main holidays - Buddha's Birthday on April 8, Enlightenment Day on December 8 and Passing into Nirvana Day on February 15, to hold processions with prayers and drumming . “Only our monastic order conducts street processions with prayers, sometimes other Buddhists join us,” he explains.

In addition, once a year, Buddhists keep a seven-day fast to clear their minds and indulge in prayers. Sometimes fasting is timed to coincide with the holidays, but it can also take place on ordinary days. “For seven days we do not eat or drink anything, we pray from six in the morning to six in the evening. We sit in front of the altar, beat the drum and say a prayer in our church. In Moscow, this is impossible, so we go either to the dacha or to the monastery. If people hear the twelve o'clock drumming, how will they survive?” the monk says.

Buddhists take to the streets not only on holidays, but also hold peacekeeping actions, for which in the 90s they were often detained by law enforcement officers. “Now they recognize us, they understand that we are not up to anything bad,” says Felix.

According to him, Buddhists organized peace marches in Moscow and the Caucasus calling for unity, marches against the "unjust war." Ordinary passers-by rarely join such actions, look at Buddhists as exotic or avert their eyes. “In Moscow it is, but in other countries people react more vividly,” notes Felix.

Representatives of other religious denominations rarely cooperate with Buddhists in carrying out such actions, but such cases were not uncommon during the Chechen war.

“There are no Buddhists in Chechnya, but there are people there who treat them with respect. During the war, our peacekeeping actions, peace marches, rallies on the streets of Moscow were joined by Orthodox priests, mules, and the Old Believer Church. There were few representatives of the official Orthodox Church, but they were,” says Felix.

According to him, Buddhists are always open to dialogue and ready to help anyone who needs them.

Moscow is not a city for everyone?

Despite numerous statements by the authorities about their intention to create the necessary conditions in the capital for representatives of all nationalities and religious denominations, there is still no Buddhist temple in the city, despite the fact that in St. Petersburg it was built back in 1913.

“Buddhists rent apartments and semi-basements for meetings. In the Otradnoye metro area, a temple and the foundation of a stupa were laid, in which the ashes of the Buddha are placed - after his cremation, the ashes were divided into many parts and are now placed in stupas around the world. But, apparently, due to lack of funding, construction has not moved forward for several years. At that time, there was already an Orthodox church, a mosque and a synagogue in the area,” says the monk.

According to Felix, the temple will not appear in Moscow until the society is ready for it. “Buddha teaches to change a person completely. Even Tibetan medicine treats the whole body if it wants to cure some disease. It is necessary to treat the whole society, but we have corruption all around, ethnically motivated murders,” the monk explains.

Today, Buddhists have only two places of worship in the capital - the foundation of the stupa in Otradnoye and the stupa in the courtyard of the Roerich Center opposite the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the existence of which few people know. “We need to make sure that there is harmony in society, and only then look for land to build a temple,” Felix says.

The situation is complicated by the fact that Muscovites often have a negative attitude towards Russian Buddhists, as they consider them traitors to the Orthodox faith. Often he is kicked out of Orthodox churches when he comes to pay respect to Jesus. “I do not consider it something shameful to come to the Orthodox Church, I respect all religions. We would not drive anyone out of our temple,” says the monk.

Food served from the heart is something else

People often do not understand Felix, because, from the point of view of a modern person, he deliberately chose the path of a loser, but the Buddhist never doubted the correctness of his choice. And at the same time, every monk observing traditions is directly dependent on the townspeople, because only with the help of their alms can he feed himself and his family. “People sometimes serve food and money. Sometimes we go to the market to pray, where it is easier for them to serve. We don't have to choose the food, but food bought with the money we earn is one thing, but served from the heart is another thing,” he says.

Be that as it may, in a metropolis where "everyone thinks about money, and does not engage in spiritual perfection", it is difficult for a Buddhist Felix to stay for a long time. Only in two places - the center of Roerich and the Botanical Garden - he manages to find peace of mind.

“I try to leave the city at least once every two months to our monasteries or just to nature, because it is really very difficult here. You need to give yourself a deep inner attitude in order to have spiritual harmony and at the same time stay here,” he says.

According to the monk, he sometimes breaks tradition and wears ordinary clothes, as he "lives for people and among people", but perceives such behavior as weakness. However, he believes that it is necessary to be in harmony with the surrounding world. “Basically, we are ordinary people, but the main thing is what we have in our thoughts and heart,” says Felix.

Buddhists are now left alone with their problems. It would seem that this should bring them together, but they are very divided among themselves. Felix calls it "the disease of the big cities" and hopes that one day it will be cured, like other diseases of our society.

We bring to your attention an interview with the monk Chugyong, a representative of the administration of the Buddhist sect Chogyejong, the abbot of the Pusoksa monastery. Cheongju University lecturer Vera Bashkeeva talked to him.

Temple of Heaven: Imperial Sacrificial Altar in Beijing

You represent the largest Buddhist denomination in Korea, the Chogyejeon. What makes it different from other branches of Buddhism?

Indeed, Chogyejon is the largest Buddhist denomination. It unites about 25.6 thousand monks and nuns and more than 1.32 million laity. The very name of the Chogye sect is associated with China, with the mountain on which the sixth patriarch of Chinese Buddhism Huineng lived. This name was given by the great Korean monk Master Taego to the unification of various Korean sects of the Zen direction, in the unification of which he played a decisive role. The fundamental idea of ​​Chogyejeong is meditation.

- Please, a few words about the leadership of Chogyejeong.

The spiritual leader of Korean Buddhism is currently the monk Haeam, who bears the title of "jeonjong". (Since this interview was published, the venerable Haeam has passed away, and the monk Popchon has taken his place. See photo. - Approx. ed.) Cheongjong is chosen for a period of five years by a group of monks respected in age and experience. Usually this is a person who has devoted more than 40 years of his life to Buddhism. Next in rank is "cheongmuwonjang" (president). Now this position is held by the monk Chongde. He performs various administrative functions.

- I heard that in order to become a Buddhist monk, you have to go through certain tests...

Anyone who wants to become a monk must complete school and complete a secondary education, and be in good health to fulfill all the requirements of Buddhist practice. When a candidate for monk comes to the monastery, he shaves off his hair and beard and puts on monastic clothes, gray or brown - this symbolizes a temporary break in relations with the outside world. All this time, the candidate learns to sing Buddhist chants, performs monastic work and takes care of his comrades. In addition, he must study what the Buddha taught, and above all, join the spiritual side of the teaching. A year later, the church decides whether to accept a candidate for the monastic brethren, whether he is ready for monastic life. If he is accepted, he becomes "sami", that is, a novice (or, if this is a woman, then a "samini", a novice) and chooses a teacher for himself - himself or by mutual agreement.

The candidate is ordained and begins to follow the basic preparatory rules - "Ten Precepts":

Don't kill;

Do not take what was not given to you;

Keep a vow of celibacy;

Don't lie;

Do not drink alcoholic beverages;

Eat only at the time allotted for eating;

Do not wear jewelry;

Do not seek sensual pleasure in singing, dancing, public performances;

Do not look for life's conveniences, comfort;

Don't accumulate wealth.

The next step is studying in one of the Buddhist monastic schools. These are special schools where "sami" and "samini" study Buddhist texts more deeply, learn Chinese writing, singing, meditation and all other skills that are necessary for an ordained member of the Buddhist monastic community. The ultimate goal of study is to understand the Buddha. After 5 years, if the teacher considers the novice worthy, he receives a second ordination and becomes a "pigu" (women - "piguns"), that is, a full member of the monastic community, or "Sangha". ("Pigu" is the Korean version of the word "bhikkhu" from the Pali language, which means "living on alms", that is, a mendicant monk. - ed.).

What does it mean to "understand the Buddha"?

It means to act like a Buddha, to become a Buddha. And everyone can become a Buddha, this is the great democracy of Buddhist teachings. However, it is almost impossible to determine from the outside whether a person has become a Buddha or not. We can only understand that this person has reached a high level of meditation and other practice. Only the man himself can know about himself that he is a buddha.

- But you really want to see a living Buddha! How to see it?

In Buddhism in general, intuition and feelings play an important role. It is no accident, by the way, that Buddhism insists on the expression "open your eyes wider." Your preconceived notion of a person before you meet them creates a false perception. In general, prejudice, ideas formed before meeting with reality often lead to delusions.

- Is it possible to think that all high-ranking monks are Buddhas?

It's not career related.

- Well, can I choose a teacher among the monks?

Of course, just keep in mind that not every monk can have disciples. To do this, he must practice for several more years, become the abbot of a small monastery. The teacher treats his students as a father treats his children, especially since they are his spiritual children. He also helps them financially.

It is very difficult to engage in self-improvement, it is much easier to shift responsibility to outside forces. Where do Buddhist monks draw their strength from?

In Buddhism, it is believed that the cause of everything is rooted in us, and not in others. Through meditation, we seek our true nature and find answers to the questions "who am I?", "Why am I here?".

- Probably, the daily routine in the monastery contributes to the development of spiritual principles in a person?

Probably yes. The day in the monastery begins before dawn, at three o'clock. One of the monks gets up a little earlier, goes around the monastery, beats the moktak (a wooden percussion instrument in the form of a bell) and sings. Monks, having heard moktak, wake up. After a while, the big bell, drum, gong and wooden fish (we call them "four instruments") begin to sound, and all the monks go to the main temple to sing. After that, everyone returns to their rooms, and around 6 o'clock in the morning they have breakfast. At 10.30 again singing and distribution of rice. Then lunch. After lunch and until five o'clock dinner, free time, everyone does their work. Approximately one hour after supper, the sound of the large monastery bell announces the hour for singing. They go to bed around 9 pm.

- Is the tradition of solitary wandering monks characteristic of Korean Buddhism?

Yes, they are, there are about 3-4 thousand of them. Summer and winter they usually spend in one temple or another, meditating in seclusion. In spring and autumn they wander in search of a teaching, a good teacher.

- Why do you think Buddhism, compared to Christianity, is not so popular in Korea today?

I would not talk about the lesser popularity of Buddhism, but rather that today we could have more adherents. I see three reasons for this phenomenon: the methods of agitation used by the parties, the historical factor, the influence of Western culture. If we talk about the historical factor, during the Japanese occupation, we lost many Buddhist traditions. The active assertion of Western traditions is associated with the presence of the American army in Korea after the war of 1950-53. In the eyes of the Korean public, the authority of the representatives of the Christian religion was quite high, because they built schools, hospitals, and carried out various humanitarian actions.

Each denomination has its own unique characteristics. Christians believe that only God is the savior - and they rely on God to solve all their problems. Therefore, many Christians force their commitment to religion and God. But in Buddhism, something else turns out to be important for a person - to find, to discover one's own true nature. If a Buddhist traverses this path, he can achieve the same enlightenment as the Buddha. Therefore, he does not need to rush, everyone will go his own way in the time that he needs for this. Christianity is a very strict teaching with a developed system of missionary work. Buddhism has a different style. We teach those who need it, we practice and learn ourselves. Previously, people who needed teaching themselves came to the monasteries, they themselves looked for a teacher. Now time has demanded a change in these forms. By the way, most Koreans, even if they do not call themselves Buddhists, are close to Buddhist views on life - they adhere to the original Buddhist traditions.

How did you become a monk yourself?

We had an ordinary family, in high school I went to the temple, but I was not a real Buddhist. My brother influenced me and I chose the Buddhism department at Dongguk University where I studied for 4 years. Most graduates of this department do not become monks, but for me there was no choice. I always thought and still think that being a Buddhist monk is the best possible path in life. The life of a monk is simple and clear. Of course there are problems, but they are not serious. I have been a monk for 16 years.

- What Buddhist monasteries would you recommend visiting?

We especially appreciate three monasteries that are associated with the Three Jewels of Buddhism - the Buddha, the Teaching (Dharma) and the Sangha. Thondosa Monastery in Yangsan County, Gyeongsangnam-do Province (near Busan) embodies the Buddha - Buddhist relics are kept in the monastery. The spiritual center, the spiritual school of Korean Buddhism is located here. Another monastery, Haeinsa, near Daegu (Hapcheon County, Gyeongsangnam-do), embodies the Dharma. In Korea, the main Buddhist text is the Diamond Sutra, and the Haeinsa Monastery is home to the Tripitaka (a collection of sutras) carved into 80,000 wooden planks. The third monastery is Seongwansa in Jeolla-nam-do province near Gwangju (Suncheon County), embodying the Sanghu monastic community. Many famous monks practiced in this monastery.

- What is the right way to behave in a Buddhist monastery without offending the feelings of believers?

Indeed, a monastery for Buddhists is the main place for serious practice. It is also a house for monks. Therefore, in order for harmony to be preserved, behave calmly and quietly on the territory of the monastery. When you meet a monk or parishioner, you should somehow greet him, with a half bow or otherwise. You must enter the temple from the side entrance. Before opening the door, bow, then, supporting your right hand with your left, open the door. If it is the left door, you must enter the room with your left foot. If right, then right. The same is true when exiting. For what? In order not to turn your back on the image of the Buddha. How to bow.

Upon entering, locate the central Buddha with your eyes and make a bow from the waist, while palms should be folded together at chest level. Make sure that during the bow, the palms do not look at the floor, but are parallel to the chest. Find a place to sit - but not in the center of the hall, as the monks are sitting there - take a step back and bow again. Try not to walk in front of people who may be bowing, singing or meditating at this time. Make a half bow and straighten up. Then - hands in the same position - kneel, touch the floor first with your right hand, then with your left, then with your head. Cross your feet, left over right. Repeat twice, on the third time touch the floor with your head twice and get up.

Such a prostrate position is considered the highest form of respect. It must be performed with great reverence, both physical and internal. This is not a simple body movement, but a path that guides you to the Three Jewels: Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. So when you bow for the first time, you can say "I seek refuge in the Buddha," on the second bow, "I seek refuge in the Dharma," on the third, "I seek refuge in the Sangha." Don't think about others, focus on yourself.

- And how to meditate?

First of all, find a quiet, clean place to meditate in or outside the temple. You can meditate anywhere, but monks usually prefer the mountains, the seashore, the monastery, where a good teacher works. Sit on the floor or on a cushion with your back straight. Try to place your left foot on your right thigh and your right foot on your left thigh to stabilize the posture. Make sure your back is straight and your shoulders are even but not tight. Place your right hand on your knees and the back of your left hand on the palm of your right so that your thumbs lightly touch each other. This will be the lotus position required for meditation. When you begin to meditate, take a few deep breaths to clear your lungs, then inhale deeply, to the limit, through your nose and slowly exhale through your nose. Your breathing should be calm but deep. And after that, begin mental concentration on yourself, on those issues that concern you.

- Can we talk about different levels of meditation?

No, because each person has their own characteristics. It all depends on the style of practice, on the person himself. What matters is how you do it. Sometimes one day can give another more than 365 days to another. This is similar to how some believers go to the temple for two decades, but cannot remember a single word from the hymns. Concentration of thought is necessary, without this, year-long efforts may turn out to be fruitless, and meditation is not meditation. What is needed is not imitation, but real inner practice.

Interviewed by Vera Bashkeeva

Hello, dear readers - seekers of knowledge and truth!

One of the most mysterious religions that reveals the secret of the Eastern soul is Buddhism. We want to introduce you to her and tell you as much as possible about her.

Where and when did Buddhist philosophy originate, what is its history, what are the main ideas, how does it differ from other religions of the world - you will find answers to all these questions in today's article. You will also learn who the Buddha is, what Buddhist monks do and how to become a Buddhist.

Well, let's start.

What is Buddhism

The Buddhist religion, as well as Islamic and Christian, is considered global. In other words, its principles are followed by people all over the world, without belonging to a particular nationality or country.

The word "Buddhism" arose only in the 19th century - this is how the Europeans dubbed the Eastern religion. The adherents themselves call it "dharma" or "bodhidharma", which means "the doctrine of awakening." From this point of view, Buddhism is often called not a religion, but a teaching , philosophy, tradition.

Historical sources claim that it arose two and a half thousand years ago - in the 500-600s BC. The founder is Buddha Shakyamuni. It was he who called his teaching "dharma", which can be understood as "truth", "nature", "consciousness".

Buddha is highly revered, but at the same time he is not God, not the Creator. He is the Great Teacher, who revealed the truth to people, suggestedpathgaining freedom.

Who is Buddha

In 560 BC, in the north-east of India, on the territory of the modern state of Bihar, a son was born to the ruler in the Shakya family. He was named Siddhartha Gautama.

The boy grew up in the palace in luxury, did not know troubles, but at the same time he was very gifted and kind. When he grew up, he fell in love with a beautiful girl and married her. Soon they had an heir.

When Siddhartha was 29 years old, he went outside the palace. Something terrible slashed his heart - in one walk he saw a sick man, an old man and a funeral. On that day, he realized how great the suffering of people.

This thought haunted Siddhartha, and he was determined to find the truth and save people from endless hardships and hardships. Then he left his wife, child, father and subjects and went on a journey.

He spent six years wandering. During this time, Siddhartha communicated with many sages, tried different techniques, led an ascetic life up to self-denial, but did not come to anything.

Almost in desperation, he sat down under a tree and began to meditate, pray, and meditate again. So he spent 49 days and finally experienced a state that is now called enlightenment - a feeling of complete clarity and understanding, absolute joy and a bright mind. He found the truth of being, and this very tree was called the “Bodhi tree”.

Siddhartha became like a different person. He went to the valley, where he met people who wanted to follow him, listening to the young man's speech, which contained the truth. So Prince Siddhartha Gautama became the Buddha Shakyamuni - the Awakened One from the Shakya clan.

For many years, the Buddha preached, shared his teachings with his followers, who were becoming more and more. Together they comprehended the dharma, engaged in spiritual meditation.

Already a deep old man, the Buddha went into parinirvana - into the final nirvana, leaving our world and getting rid of suffering. And his teaching after 25 centuries is spreading all over our planet.

Development of the doctrine

Appearing in ancient India and spreading across the East, Buddhist thought has witnessed many events throughout its existence and endured various vicissitudes of history: the emergence of Hinduism in India, the raids of the Aryans, oppression by Muslims, the establishment of the mighty Mughal empire, modern times with its globalization.

However, the dharma continues to spread around the world - today there are about 500 million adherents.

Basically, of course, this is the south, southeast of Asia and the Far Eastern regions: Thai, Bhutanese, Vietnamese, Chinese (especially Tibetan), Japanese, Cambodian, Lao, Korean, Sri Lankan, Myanmar, Nepalese, Mongolian territories.

In India, whichisthe birthplace of Buddhism, with the spread of Hinduism, the doctrine lost itsmeaning- here it is practiced by less than one percent of the total population.

Buddhist views are also traditionally held by some national republics in Russia: Kalmykia, Tuva, Buryatia, part of the Altai regions. Bypassing them, the thought moves deeper and deeper to the West: to Moscow, St. Petersburg, to European countries and to the American continent.

Main postulates

The main ideas of Buddhist teaching come down to three concepts:

• - the wheel of rebirth, a series of reincarnations, during which people and all living beings after death are reincarnated in a new world, incarnating in another body.
• Karma is the rule of cause and effect. According to him, all our actions - good or bad - will be reflected in the future and will lead to consequences. Good thoughts and actions will lead to favorable consequences. Having committed any evil deed, a person will certainly feel the consequences of karma. Its action extends to the next incarnations - if you behave with dignity by the standards of Buddhism, in a future life you can be reborn in higher worlds.
• - the goal of any Buddhist, the state of liberation from suffering, when a person manages to escape from the wheel of samsara. One can achieve nirvana through constant spiritual growth, meditation, reflection, getting rid of attachments to the blessings of humanity.

In addition, there is the concept of "dukkha". It is identified with negative feelings: fear, pain, dissatisfaction, anger, anxiety, greed - generally speaking, these are suffering. Associated with the concept of dukkha are the Four Noble Truths, which are considered the foundation of the Buddhist path:

1. There is dukkha, suffering.
2. Every suffering has a cause, which is expressed in attachment, dependence.
3. There is a path that relieves suffering and leads to nirvana.
4. This trail is.

The Eightfold Path suggests the correct:

• understanding - the realization that there is suffering and attachment in life;
• intentions - the desire to overcome suffering, embarking on the true path and overcoming one's own vices;
• speech - the observance of the purity of words;
• deeds - actions that bring only good;
• lifestyle - habits that correspond to the behavior of a Buddhist;
• effort - the desire to reach the truth, sow good and renounce evil;
• thoughts - purity of thoughts, rejection of rude, greedy, lustful ideas;
• concentration - focus on results, constant spiritual work.

The stages of the Eightfold Path must be comprehended not in turn, but all together, in a complex - they are inextricably linked with each other and lead to liberation.

We see that the stages of the Eightfold Path help to comprehend wisdom, cultivate moral behavior and train the mind. The Buddha bequeathed that in observing these foundations, one should not rush to extremes from complete asceticism to a life satiated with luxury, one must find a “golden mean” - this rule Shakyamuni called the Middle Way.

It is impossible to achieve nirvana without constant spiritual purification, meditation practices and observance of the main commandments. The latter prescribe:

1. Not to inflict evil and acts of violence on other living beings is the so-called rule of ahimsa.
2. Do not steal and do not appropriate someone else's.
3. Don't commit adultery.
4. Don't lie to anyone.
5. Avoid alcohol, drugs and other intoxicating substances.

The scriptures in Buddhist philosophy are called sutras. Different sutras are revered in different directions, but the essence of dharma is fully expounded in the Pali Canon, which is called the Tripitaka.

Tripitaka consists of several volumes:

• Vinaya Pitaka - includes rules of conduct, the order of ceremonies, a set of rules for monks;
• Sutta-pitaka - conveys the main points of the teachings of the Buddha;
• Abhidharma Pitaka - expounds the texts of Buddhism, which reflect the idea of ​​life.

Uniqueness of Dharma

Buddhism as a religion is unique in its kind, because it has many differences from other faiths. He absorbed the features of both religion and philosophy. That is why Buddhism is more correctly called a religious and philosophical teaching.

Buddhist teaching differs from other denominations in many ways:

• the Creator, the One God, or several gods does not stand in the center;
• there is no concept of the universe - no one created it and no one controls it;
• the number of worlds is infinite;
• there are no sins and their atonement - there is only karma, which is considered the law of life;
• there are no unconditional dogmatic rules;
• The Buddha bequeathed that there can be no blind faith - all truths should be passed through yourself and verified by your own experience;
• the teaching of the Buddha does not consider itself the only true one - Buddhists can simultaneously accept another religion without violating the rules of dharma;
• the teaching does not get rid of the "God's punishment", which is in other faiths - it leads to the knowledge of one's own nature and spiritual development.

Unlike Hinduism, which is also based on the laws of karma, samsara, rebirth, Buddhist philosophy considers all people equal, regardless of their position in society and origin - in contrast to this, in Hinduism, varnas and.

However, Buddhist philosophy, spreading to more and more new lands, overflowed into different currents and took on different forms. Each school took on its own characteristics, and some directions became more like a religion, such as Tibetan Buddhism.

In this case, the Buddha is deified: offerings are made to him, altars are built, statues are made, images are made that look like icons. A pantheon of buddhas and bodhisattvas appears - enlightened ones who help other people gain liberation.

There are more and more temples, which are also called datsans, khurals, wats, monasteries. Monks in special attire, services in temples, holidays, meditations with the reading of mantras, rituals - in some directions, all components of the religious movement can be traced. Thus, Buddhism refers to philosophy and religion at the same time - it all depends on the school of dharma.

How to become a Buddhist

“Buddhists are not born, they are made” - you can adapt a well-known expression. Indeed, one cannot become a Buddhist only by being born into a Buddhist family - one must consciously choose the teaching as a guiding star in life, or, as the followers of dharma say, "take refuge."

Three jewels are accepted in the refuge:

• Buddha is the Great Teacher Shakyamuni Buddha or another Awakened One;
• Dharma - the Teachings of the Buddha, his principles, commandments, truths, ways, dogmas;
• Sangha is a Buddhist community that lives according to the laws of dharma.

To achieve the main jewels, three poisons must be abandoned:

• ignorance, blindness to the nature of being and everything that exists;
• desires, egoism, passions, desires;
• anger and malice.

On the path of truth, a Buddhist is armed with special methods:

• study of the Dharma - a mentor, teacher or guru should help with this in order to suggest a list of texts for study, answer questions, direct them to the right path;
• reflections on the doctrine - independent work, analysis of texts, comparing them with oneself and with real life;
• practice - meditation, yogic practices, as well as the application of the basics of dharma in everyday life.

Having chosen the path of dharma and observing the main rules, adherents of the Buddha come closer to knowing themselves, the world around them and to liberation from suffering.

Buddhist monks

The first Buddhist monk was the founder of the doctrine himself - Buddha Shakyamuni. In terms of lifestyle and appearance, he was somewhat similar to the ascetic sages who belonged to the early religious movements and wandered through the eastern expanses.

Following the Buddha, other monks appeared from among his disciples, who introduced the dharma to the laity. Buddhist monasticism still exists - probably in films, in photographs, or even live, many have seen them dressed in orange-red clothes.

The current monks do not lead a hermit life - they usually settle in the monastery as a whole community and closely interact with the lay people - Buddhists, who lead a familiar modern life. The monks preach the dharma to the laity, teach the spiritual life, and the laity give them clothes, food, and in case of accidents, shelter.

Male monks are called bhikkhus, and female monks are called bhikshuni. They live under strict laws and restrictions, which may change depending on the direction of Buddhist thought and the scriptures that prescribe the rules of monastic life.

The life of monks can also be different because of the climate, the peculiarities of nature. For example, monks who live in the Tibetan highlands or the Mongolian steppes may have more items of clothing. And in monasteries that are far from the settlements of the laity and therefore cannot accept alms from them, there may be their own kitchen, where the monks prepare food for themselves.

Schools

Over time, Buddhist thought spread throughout Asia and further into the West. In each locality, it was superimposed on the mentality of the local population, religious beliefs that took root there before the advent of Buddhism, so there are many of its directions.

The three main schools of Buddhist philosophy are:

1. Hinayana - Small Vehicle

In modern times, the name is more often used - the teaching of the elders. It is considered the oldest and most orthodox school. It is widespread in the Southeast Asian region, which is why it is often called "southern Buddhism."

Countries: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam.

Theravada has the following features:

• Only a monk can achieve nirvana by following strict dogmas.
• Liberation depends only on the person himself, on his actions - no one can help him.
• There is no pantheon of buddhas and bodhisattvas.
• There is no hell and heaven - there is only samsara and the way out of it - nirvana.
• There are no ceremonies, sculptures, iconography, worship of them.

2. - Great chariot

It is less conservative than Hinayana. Considered "Northern Buddhism" due to its geography.

Countries: Japan, China, South Korea, northern regions of India.

Distinctive features:

• Both a monk and a layman can achieve nirvana.
• Buddhas and bodhisattvas can help people in this.
• Saints line up in a pantheon.
• Their images, sculptural sculptures appear.
• They make offerings, arrange rituals, services, holidays, pray.
• There is a peculiar concept of heaven and hell - beings with good karma incarnate in the next life on the higher, heavenly planets, with bad karma - in the lower, hellish worlds.

3. - Diamond Chariot

It appeared as an offshoot of the Mahayana. Also known as Tantric Buddhism.

Countries: the Tibetan part of China, Nepal, Mongolia, the Buddhist republics of Russia - Buryatia, Tuva, Kalmykia.

Peculiarities:

• focus on self-awareness;
• the great importance of the teacher, guru - he is revered and worshiped before him;
• meditative and yogic practices;
• reading mantras;
• various rituals, holidays, services.

The main teacher in Tibetan Buddhism is the Dalai Lama.

Each of these schools may have several more branches. Buddhism is also familiar with directions that do not belong to any of the main schools.

Branches in which elements of the Buddha's teachings are traced, but which do not belong to traditional schools, are combined under the name "neo-Buddhism". Most often they are common in the "non-Buddhist" countries of Europe and America.

A very popular direction in the West now -. However, it has been practiced for many centuries in Japanese, Korean and especially Chinese territories - here it is called "chan".

Japanese monk of Zen Buddhism

The main features of Zen Buddhism include:

• rejection of religious rituals, ceremonies, paraphernalia, the pantheon of saints;
• lack of sacred sutras, sermons;
• the goal is to discover the nature of the Buddha with his compassion and mercy.

This goal can be achieved through the practice of contemplation. It is performed in padmasana - the lotus position. Closing their eyes, Zen adherents focus only on their own breathing, detach themselves from what is happening around them and, as it were, look inside themselves.

Conclusion

Thank you very much for your attention, dear readers! We hope that today you have learned a lot of new things, got acquainted with the amazing philosophy of Buddhism and opened the door to the still unknown world of the East.

Of course, it is impossible to tell everything about dharma in one article, because even a hundred books have not been able to do this. But still, we want to continue to reveal Eastern wisdom with you.

May truth, curiosity and kindness accompany you on the path of life. If you liked the article, leave comments, share with friends, join us - subscribe to the blog, and we will search for the truth together.

Hello dear readers!

Today we will talk about how the mysterious inhabitants of oriental temples live and find out what the daily routine of a Buddhist monk is in monasteries of different Asian countries.

The life of the monks

Monks are hermits who have renounced worldly goods and values ​​in order to study the Dharma and become enlightened. They lead an ascetic life. The monks are always dressed in orange or saffron robes, and their hair is completely shaved off.

Buddhist hermits live according to a very strict daily routine. Due to the fact that there are several branches of Buddhism and many schools within them, the schedule and activities in different monasteries differ significantly from each other.

Shaolin Monastery is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in the world. It is located in China on Mount Songshan. And it is known for the fact that the monks and novices living there devote a lot of time to studying and training martial arts, so very often the inhabitants of this monastery are called warrior monks.

Since this temple is of great interest to Western people, let's get acquainted with the customs that prevail there.

Monks and novices get up early, at 5 am. After waking up, they gather, chant sutras and meditate. At 6 o'clock it's time for breakfast, and while breakfast is in progress, it's not supposed to talk. After the meal, both monks and novices go to train until lunch time.

At 2 pm everyone takes a break for lunch. After dinner, novices do some work in the monastery, after which they can study books and lessons. So it's time for dinner.

Before dinner, everyone gathers together again for evening chants, and only after that they start eating. Food in Shaolin is exclusively vegetarian. After dinner, personal time is allotted for training or training. Having finished business and procedures, the monks begin to get ready for bed, and at 21 o'clock everyone goes to bed.

Conclusion

Dear friends, our story is coming to an end: today we visited the eastern monasteries of Tibet, Korea, Thailand and China, where Buddhist monks live. We found out what their daily routine is like and got acquainted with some features of their life.

We hope that our story was useful and exciting for you. Perhaps in the future, you yourself will want to visit one of these temples as a tourist or even a novice. If you liked the article, recommend it on social networks, and subscribe to our blog to receive interesting articles about Buddhism and Eastern culture in your mail.