How do monastic rules differ in each tradition?
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Theravada monks have to follow the 227 Patimokkha rules and the Vinaya Pitaka from the Pali Canon.
But how is it for monks from the other traditions like East Asian Mahayana, Zen and Vajrayana traditions?
I read online that Tibetan monks have dinner after 5pm, which is clearly not allowed by Theravada rules. They don't seem to have to do alms rounds, and they can take Tuesdays off.
In certain traditions, can monks receive raw cooking materials and cook food themselves? Can they grow their own food? Can they manage the finances of their monastery?
And why are they different? Do different traditions decide for e.g. that the rules should be made more relaxed, more strict or more adapted to their local circumstances or to modernity?
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In the Maha-parinibbana Sutta , the Buddha did say:
> "The growth of the bhikkhus is to be expected, not their decline,
> ... so long as they appoint no new rules, and do not abolish
> the existing ones, but proceed in accordance with the code of training
> (Vinaya) laid down"
But the Buddha also said:
> "If it is desired, Ananda, the Sangha may, when I am gone, abolish the
> lesser and minor rules.
Asked by ruben2020
(41278 rep)
Mar 23, 2015, 06:23 AM
Last activity: Aug 7, 2015, 06:47 PM
Last activity: Aug 7, 2015, 06:47 PM