In general, monks within the major religions believe in the sanctity of sex, but typically as something that is reserved for the sacred bond of marriage. Therefore, monks usually take vows of celibacy in order to remain single and dedicate themselves to their spiritual practice.
This is because celibacy allows the monk to focus their energy on their faith, rather than wasting energy on physical desires and temptations. While celibacy is the standard in monastic life, some sects of Buddhism and Hinduism allow for certain types of sexual expression primarily in marriage and scholarship is beginning to point to other paths, such as Tantra, which teaches that sexual energy can be harnessed and re-directed to higher states of consciousness.
Regardless, there is no single answer for this question, as it depends on the specific faith, sect, and monk in question.
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What are monks not allowed to do?
Monks are expected to live a life of prayer, contemplation, study, and service. As such, they are typically not allowed to engage in activities that are considered to be worldly or materialistic. This includes things like owning money, possessions, or living quarters; marrying; entering into a business enterprise; wearing clothing other than the mandated monastic habits; participating in recreational activities; and holding a regular job.
Additionally, monks are typically not allowed to consume alcohol, use drugs, or engage in any form of sexual conduct. Most monasteries also expect their monks to refrain from listening to music and engaging in any behavior that could potentially be seen as disruptive to their spiritual pursuits.
What are the rules to be a monk?
As every monastic order has its own unique set of regulations. Generally, however, there are several guidelines which must be followed when becoming a monk.
Firstly, monks must remain celibate and abstain from any sexual activity. Secondly, monks must lead a vegetarian lifestyle, abstaining from all forms of animal products and eating modestly. Thirdly, monks must lead a life of poverty, abstaining from all material possessions and the pursuit of wealth.
Fourthly, monks must live a life of spiritual contemplation, dedicating their lives to prayer, meditative practices, and study of religious works and scriptures. Fifthly, monks must commit to living a life of service to others, whether that be through teaching, healing, or other forms of helping.
Finally, monks must practice a life of humility, dedication, and discipline, checking their own egos and letting go of all personal desires and ambitions. By following these precepts, anyone can become a monk and live a life dedicated to spiritual practice.
How many rules do monks have to follow?
While the exact number of rules may be different, most monks have some form of regulations they must adhere to.
The basic guidelines are similar around the world and are derived from the Three Universal Rules of the Order established by Gautama Buddha. These include: abstaining from killing any living creature, abstaining from stealing, and abstaining from sexual misconduct or promiscuity.
Other rules commonly followed by monks include prohibitions against lying, drinking alcohol, being idle, wasting time, using money, owning personal possessions, and eating after noon. Monks must also maintain silence throughout the day, to remain mindful of the present moment, and to be diligent in their monastic practices.
In addition to the Three Universal Rules and their derivatives, some monasteries and traditions have their own set of rules. Furthermore, individual monasteries and traditions may practice different versions of these rules.
For example, some monks may eat two meals a day, while others may only eat one.
Overall, there is no single answer for how many rules monks have to follow, as it depends largely on the monastic tradition and individual customs.
Do monks make money?
Yes, monks do make money. Different monastic orders have different ways of making money. Some orders live off of donations given to them by the lay faithful, while others may make money through selling religious goods, or may even generate income by renting out monastic buildings.
Some orders may use the services of their members to provide services to the community, as some monks may engage in teaching and/or spiritual direction, healing rituals, or even psychotherapy. Monks may also receive money for their labor and may have access to funds from the monastery’s charitable programs.
Each order develops their own ways of generating income, but all of them are usually linked to the spiritual and religious life of the monastic order.
Can you marry if you are monk?
No, it is not possible to marry if you are a monk. As per the traditional Buddhist belief, monks should not be married, as marriage is seen as attachment to illusion and the world. Monks must observe celibacy and refrain from all forms of physical relationship with another person, as one of their core precepts.
Marriage is prohibited and marrying will put a monk’s ordination in jeopardy. Monks take a vow of poverty, and thus are not able to support a family.
In order for a monk to be able to marry and still maintain their ordination, permission must be granted from the highest level of Buddhist scripture as well as permission from their teacher. Monks must also abide by their local laws and regulations in order to marry and live their life in harmony.
At the end of the day, the decision to marry while being a monk is a personal one. If a monk chooses to marry, they must take on all the responsibilities that come along with a married life and accept whatever consequences may come their way.
Can you be a monk if you are married?
No, it is not possible to be a monk if you are married. Monasticism is a way of life that requires certain commitments, such as celibacy, poverty and obedience. Becoming a monk usually requires that one takes vows of chastity and perpetual poverty.
Those who take such vows and become monks can never marry or have any kind of relationship that involves sexual activity. Furthermore, many monastic communities forbid married persons to join them. While there are some monastic orders that allow married people to join, they are exceptionally rare and even those orders typically expect any married individuals who join to remain celibate.
Do some monks get married?
Monasticism is a lifestyle of religious abstinence practiced by certain religious traditions, including Buddhist, Hindu and Christian denominations. Monks who adhere to a monastic lifestyle typically take vows of conduct that may include abstinence from marriage and other worldly pursuits.
However, not all monastic orders subscribe to these vows of celibacy, and some allow their monks to get married.
In Hinduism specifically, two main paths – the Sannyasin and Grihastha – are distinct in that the former calls for complete detachment from the world, while the latter allows for participation in the worldly aspects of life, including marriage.
Some Hindu monasteries, including Ramakrishna Math, accept married monks.
In Christianity, the Eastern Orthodox Church does not require its monks to take a vow of celibacy, but some orders do require monks to be unmarried or widowed if they wish to join. Many Protestant Christian denominations also have monastic orders that permit their monks to get married.
In Buddhism, there are also orders that do not require their monks to take a vow of celibacy. The Vajrayana tradition, which is practiced in parts of Central and East Asia, does not usually require its monks to abstain from marriage.
In these orders, married couples are allowed to join the monastic community, and are often known as scholastic couples or married monastics.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not monks can marry is left to each religious order, so it is important to inquire into the particular guidelines of individual orders.
