Significance of Bhikkhu
Synonyms: Monk, Buddhist monk, Ascetic, Practitioner, Religious mendicant, Recluse, Mendicant
In Finnish: Bhikkhu; In Spanish: Bhikshu; In Dutch: Monnik
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Bhikkhu'
Bhikkhu in Buddhism signifies a fully ordained monk dedicated to monastic life, adherence to the teachings of the Buddha, and a strict code of conduct, while relying on alms for sustenance and pursuing spiritual enlightenment.
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) Buddhist monks who follow the discipline and teachings of the Buddha.[1] (2) Monastic followers of the Buddha, who received guidance and provisions from the community.[2] (3) The group of monks who were invited to meals and involved in food-related decisions.[3] (4) Buddhist monks who were prescribed by the Blessed One to assemble on specific days for the Dhamma.[4] (5) A monk in Buddhism, who follows the monastic rules and traditions.[5]
From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga
(1) Monks or individuals following the Buddhist path.[6] (2) A term referring to a male Buddhist monk who has taken full ordination and is subject to the rules of the monastic community.[7] (3) Buddhist monks, specifically those being addressed by the Blessed One in the provided text.[8] (4) Monastics in Buddhism known for their vows and practices, including going on rounds for alms.[9] (5) Monks in the Buddhist tradition who are members of the Samgha and subject to the rules of conduct and offences addressed in the text.[10]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Monastic followers of the Buddha who were present with Him and honored by Ugga's offerings.[11] (2) Monks who accompany the Buddha during His journey to the Kakudha river.[12] (3) Monks who practice the teachings of the Buddha and support practitioners like Uggasena on their spiritual journeys.[13] (4) Monks or members of the Buddhist monastic community who follow the teachings of the Buddha.[14] (5) Buddhist monks who practice the teachings of the Buddha and live a life dedicated to spiritual development.[15]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) A monk or practitioner in the Buddhist tradition who devotes their life to the study and practice of the teachings.[16] (2) A Buddhist monk who has renounced worldly life in pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.[17] (3) A term for a Buddhist monk, often referred to in the context of teaching, meditation practice, and learning.[18] (4) A monk or practitioner in Buddhism who dedicates their life to spiritual attainment and understanding.[19] (5) A fully ordained monk in the Buddhist tradition who practices the teachings of the Buddha.[20]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) A male monk in the Buddhist tradition who follows the teachings and codes outlined in the Vinaya Pitaka.[21] (2) Refers to the monks or practitioners who maintain silence and train in mindfulness as part of their spiritual practice.[22] (3) Monks in the Buddhist tradition who follow the teachings of the Buddha and uphold the monastic code.[23] (4) A fully ordained monk in the Buddhist tradition.[24] (5) Buddhist monks who are on the path to enlightenment and are often the audience for the Buddha's teachings.[25]
From: Mahavamsa
(1) Monks who gathered to pay respects to the sick king and recited in chorus, representing the Buddhist community.[26] (2) Buddhist monks who were the recipients of alms and charitable offerings from the kings throughout the text.[27] (3) Monastic followers in Buddhism, collectively known as the brotherhood, who were granted land and benefits by the kings.[28] (4) A Buddhist monk who is part of the brotherhood involved in the efforts to bring and enshrine the relics.[29] (5) A Buddhist monk who participated in the building of the thupa and engaged in spiritual practices.[30]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) A monk in the Buddhist tradition, expected to practice mindfulness and restraint to achieve freedom from suffering.[31] (2) A term used to denote a monk in Buddhism, particularly one who is free from attachment and grief over worldly possessions.[32] (3) A mendicant monk who leads a religious life and observes specific rules.[33] (4) A monk in the Buddhist tradition; one who practices the teachings of the Buddha and lives a disciplined life beyond mere begging for food.[34] (5) A mendicant monk who has renounced worldly life for the sake of spiritual practice and achieving Nibbana.[35]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) Monks in the Buddhist tradition who practice the teachings of the Buddha, engaging in meditation and moral conduct, ultimately striving for enlightenment.[36] (2) A monk or member of the monastic order, whose glory and position exceed material valuation.[37] (3) Monastic disciples of the Buddha, who follow his teachings and regulations.[38] (4) A full member of the Buddhist monastic community who is in full communion and able to create a schism.[39] (5) Monastic followers of the Buddha who are encouraged to focus on learning and practice rather than ritualistic honor.[40]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks’ rules)
(1) A term in Pali literature denoting a monk, which, along with samana, represents the spiritual person in the Sakyan context.[41] (2) The term refers to a monk in the Buddhist tradition who has renounced worldly possessions and is entirely dependent on the laity for food and other necessities.[42] (3) The term for a monk, which is used in addressing and referring to them in the narrative, though not generally used as a form of address among themselves.[43] (4) A term referring to a male monk in the Buddhist tradition.[44] (5) A term used for monks or mendicants within the Buddhist tradition, which has its roots in earlier practices of begging.[45]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) Monks in Buddhism who have renounced worldly life to follow the teachings of the Buddha.[46] (2) A bhikkhu is a monk in the Buddhist tradition; Ajatasattu encountered Devadatta who disguised himself as a bhikkhu to mislead the prince.[47] (3) Monks or practitioners of the Buddhist monastic community that Ugga approached and listened to with respect.[48] (4) Buddhist monks who have renounced worldly life to pursue the path of enlightenment and adhere to the Buddha's teachings.[49] (5) Monks in Buddhism who adhere to the Vinaya and receive teachings from the Buddha.[50]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) Monks in the Buddhist tradition, who are objects of respect and reverence.[51] (2) Bhikkhus are monks in Buddhism who rely on alms and requisites for sustenance and practice moral living.[52] (3) Monks in the Buddhist tradition who rely on alms for their sustenance.[53] (4) A Buddhist monk who practices renunciation and lives according to Buddhist precepts.[54] (5) Monks who have renounced worldly life to follow the monastic code and teachings of Buddhism.[55]
From: Vinaya (1): The Patimokkha
(1) A fully ordained male monk in the monastic community.[56] (2) A monk in the Buddhist tradition who follows certain rules and precepts.[57] (3) A male monk in the Buddhist tradition who follows the Vinaya, the monastic code of conduct.[58]
From: The Catu-Bhanavara-Pali (critical study)
(1) Monks in the Buddhist tradition who follow the teachings of Buddha and reside in community; Brahmana Kasi-Bharadvaja joins their assembly.[59] (2) Monks or practitioners in the Buddhist tradition who follow the teachings and rules laid down by Buddha.[60] (3) Buddhist monks who may practice reciting paritta for spiritual healing and support.[61]
From: Dipavamsa (study)
(1) Bhikkhus are Buddhist monks who played influential roles in political matters and were venerated as living gods by the people of Sri-Lanka.[62] (2) Monastic practitioners in Buddhism, specifically the monks who attended the First Council.[63]
From: Patipada (path of practice)
(1) Buddhist monks who have renounced worldly life to follow the monastic path and practice the teachings of the Buddha.[64] (2) A fully ordained monk who follows the rules of the Vinaya and engages in the practice of Dhamma.[65]
From: The Doctrine of Paticcasamuppada
(1) A monk in the Buddhist tradition who practices mindfulness and aims to eliminate harmful views such as Sakkaya Ditthi.[66]
From: Introducing Buddhist Abhidhamma
(1) Monks in the Buddhist tradition who practice and embody the teachings of the Buddha, particularly mindfulness and meditation.[67]
From: Dhammapada (translated from the Pali)
(1) A term referring to a fully ordained male member of the Buddhist monastic community.[68]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) Monks in the Buddhist tradition, specifically those invited by thera Adhimutta to partake in his charitable acts.[69] (2) The monks in the Buddhist tradition who follow the teachings of the Buddha and live a monastic life dedicated to spiritual practice.[70] (3) A Buddhist monk, particularly one who is a follower of the Buddha's teachings.[71] (4) A fully ordained monk who depends on alms for sustenance and follows the teachings of the Buddha.[72] (5) Monks who follow the teachings of the Buddha, highlighting the community surrounding Sikhi.[73]
Hindu concept of 'Bhikkhu'
In Hinduism, "Bhikkhu" is interpreted as Buddhist monks recognized in the Cullavagga text, specifically associated with responsibilities related to building construction, highlighting their active role in community service.
From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)
(1) Buddhist monks mentioned in the context of building construction duties as per the Cullavagga text.[75]
The concept of Bhikkhu in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Bhikkhu" signifies a Buddhist monk dedicated to reciting Suttas, leading worship, and committing to a life of practice and teaching, adhering to specific guidelines within the Buddhist community.
From: Buddhist Ceremonies and Rituals of Sri Lanka
(1) A bhikkhu is a Buddhist monk who performs the recitation of the Suttas during the exorcism ritual, adhering to specific behavioral guidelines.[76] (2) A monk or religious figure in Buddhism who dedicates their life to practice and teaching.[77] (3) A Buddhist monk who may lead the collective worship or preside over rituals and offerings.[78]