Significance of Monk
Synonyms: Monastic, Ascetic, Friar, Clergyman, Recluse, Religious, Brother, Hermit, Devotee, Holy man, Cleric, Contemplative, Friars, Cenobites
In Malay: Shami; In Spanish: Bhikshu; In Dutch: Monnik; In Finnish: Munkki; In German: Der Bhikshu; In Swedish: Munk; In French: Moine; In Portugese: Monge; In Italian: Monaco; In Polish: Mnich
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Monk'
In Buddhism, a monk is a male member of a monastic community who renounces worldly life to follow a spiritual path, adheres to ethical rules, receives teachings, and upholds the Dharma while striving for enlightenment.
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) Monks are the members of the religious order who assembled to distribute robe-material and later questioned Upananda's actions.[1] (2) The monks initially refused food due to its scarcity, but the Lord allowed them to accept it and make use of what is not left over; they also refrained from using fruit until the Lord allowed it.[2] (3) The monks are presented as authority figures who, when disrespected by novices, seek guidance from the Lord on how to address the situation and impose punishments.[3] (4) It is a member of the Order who may need to be sent to another location to seek amends for an offence committed by the collective.[4] (5) Refers to individuals who reside in a residence and follow specific rules and procedures, especially concerning the Observance day.[5]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks’ rules)
(1) The monks in the provided text are eating, invited by families, and are expected to restrain nuns from giving directions during the meal.[6] (2) It refers to a male monastic who was offered alms by a nun returning from Savatthi.[7] (3) A monk refers to a member of the monastic community who is subject to the rules and training outlined in the text, and interacts with other monks like Upananda in the context of seeking alms-food.[8] (4) The monks are individuals who were invited for a meal by a brahmin and subsequently faced criticism for eating elsewhere after having been satisfied at the brahmin's house.[9] (5) Members of a religious order who adhere to specific rules and guidelines, particularly regarding teaching practices and interactions with others.[10]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The provided material describes a monk who was very eloquent but did not practice what he preached, highlighting a discrepancy between words and actions.[11] (2) It is an individual who was not feeling happy with the life of one, but felt that it would be improper and humiliating for him to return to the life of a householder.[12] (3) It refers to a member of a religious order, specifically in this context, someone who follows the teachings of the Buddha.[13] (4) These are individuals who discussed the reason for delaying the division of a robe, revealing the story of attachment and rebirth.[14] (5) Monk refers to the man who lived by his alms-bowl, and got a meditation topic from the Buddha and retired to a dilapidated pleasure garden for the purpose of meditation.[15]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) In nine lives, the future Buddha Gotama became this in the presence of different Buddhas, receiving a prophecy in each instance.[16] (2) Monks are mentioned as accompanying the Buddha on his journey from Jetavana to Aliavi, highlighting the community of followers who support and participate in the Buddha's teachings and activities.[17] (3) Individuals who were part of a community where duties were shared and individual practices were influenced by the presence or absence of key figures.[18] (4) A "monk" is the senior figure in the narrative, experiencing illness and contemplating his spiritual path to achieve arahatship.[19] (5) Individuals in a monastery who engaged in discussions and received guidance from the Buddha.[20]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (2): Bhikkhuni-vibhanga (the analysis of Nun’ rules)
(1) A monk is a male member of a monastic community who is involved in an incident where nuns posed a question to one who had not given leave.[21] (2) Monks are the audience to whom the enlightened one addresses the rebuke regarding the nun Thullananda's actions and the establishment of the rule.[22] (3) They are the male monastic practitioners who were informed about the matter involving the nuns and prostitutes, and they then conveyed this information to the lord.[23] (4) These are the people who confirmed to the enlightened one that the group of six nuns were spinning yarn.[24] (5) The provided text references male religious practitioners who are subject to certain rules regarding interactions with nuns and their presence in a specific location.[25]
From: Patipada (path of practice)
(1) Monks are those who should do their duties without letting go of their mindfulness and wisdom, which are factors of their Dhamma work, and they should wash, wipe dry, and put away their bowls after meals, then turn to other things such as the walking meditation.[26] (2) The monks are individuals who are concerned only with their own practice, and the author describes the mindful and self-controlled manner in which the monks eat, emphasizing contemplation and awareness during the process.[27]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The monk is a reference to the young novice, and the narrative details his actions and the consequences he faced, highlighting the impact of his behavior on others.[28]
From: Cetasikas
(1) The text refers to these individuals in the context of describing the experience of a fool who has done wrong deeds, highlighting the consequences of those actions.[29]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (4): Parivara
(1) A monk is mentioned throughout the text as an individual who may be reproving, undertaking on his own behalf, or engaged in legal questions, and is subject to examination.[30]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life
(1) Monks, even those who lead a life of contentment, can still accumulate conditions for lobha, and the Vinaya provides rules to help them be watchful.[31]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) Monks are what the thirty men became after being initiated and ordained by the Exalted One with the formula "Come, monks," signifying their admission into monkhood.[32] (2) These individuals are addressed directly and are involved in seeking clarification or further explanation regarding a past event, as indicated by their questions.[33] (3) According to the text, the narrative involves a conversation with monks, as the speaker addresses them multiple times to convey a story and its moral implications.[34] (4) A group of individuals who listened to the Exalted One and asked questions about past events.[35] (5) The monks are the individuals who posed questions to the Exalted One about his past actions, and they received responses, gaining insights into previous events and interactions from the narrative.[36]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) This is a role Mrigashiras aspires to, signifying a life dedicated to religious discipline and celibacy under the guidance of the Bhagavat.[37] (2) Monks are the members of the sangha who were advised by the abbot not to consume the bear's meat, as the bear was recognized as a bodhisattva.[38] (3) Monk, also known as bhikshu, is a male monastic who has taken full vows and is dedicated to following the disciplines and practices of the monastic order.[39] (4) Five hundred of them accompanied the Buddha on a journey to the Trayastrimsha gods, flying over the home of the naga king Nandopananda.[40] (5) Individuals who accompanied the Buddha and begged him to go back.[41]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) The religious community present who are considering what type of recitation Shantideva should perform.[42]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) The monk is a figure who saved the old Taoist from his anger and potential transformation into a snake, by helping him recognize his misinterpretations and guiding him towards the Buddhadharma.[43]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva (Sutra of the Great Vow)
(1) A person who is part of the clergy and who, if they pretend to be one while not actually being one, can face negative consequences.[44]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) Bhiksus are monks. The bhiksus and bhiksunis of Jambudvipa were all gathered together.[45]
From: Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies
(1) Monk refers to religious practitioners, such as the North circuit Monk, who are associated with Pure Land and practices like recitation.[46] (2) Members of religious orders, especially Buddhist monks, who were involved in the conflict with Christians, and whose actions and motivations are explored in the text.[47] (3) Members of a religious order, often Buddhist, who played a crucial role in facilitating trade and exchange between China and Japan, as well as in spreading religious teachings.[48] (4) These individuals used large-format leporellos as supports for ritual performance, and the scribes and sponsors who created these objects make clear in their colophons that chanted leporellos were valuable objects for them. A group of these could be reminded how to orient themselves to the manuscript, how to properly recite texts in sequence for certain rites, and how to vocally produce complex melodies in unison.[49] (5) Members of the Buddhist monastic community, and the text discusses their roles in protecting the Dharma, including their interactions with emperors, their responses to persecution, and their efforts to uphold the Vinaya.[50]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) The king wanted to become a monk and renounce the world, but he was persuaded to wait until his son was born and strong enough to rule.[51] (2) Someone who was described as having the bodily complexion of a brahma and surrounded by twenty thousand others.[52] (3) The one who the young prince was talking about, according to the text.[53] (4) This is one of the four foreboding omens that the king did not want his son to be near or witness.[54] (5) A person who has renounced worldly life to follow a spiritual path, particularly in Buddhism.[55]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The text describes that a portion is left for monks who may happen to come by, as part of a division of offerings.[56] (2) These are the people that are frightened by form and so forth, and live in monasteries.[57]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) Monks are individuals who followed the religious order of the Blessed One, as demonstrated by their adherence to the Doctrine and their roles in councils.[58] (2) These are people who caused the death by poison, as indicated in the text.[59] (3) A religious figure involved in the assembly discussion regarding the temple's dedication.[60]
Hindu concept of 'Monk'
In Hinduism, "Monk" denotes one of four companions involved in creating a woman, who later dispute over her. This interpretation suggests a collaborative creation followed by conflict.
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) This is one of the four companions who gives life to the woman they create, and they quarrel about her afterward.[61]
Jain concept of 'Monk'
In Jainism, a Monk is a revered individual who renounces worldly life to pursue spiritual goals through disciplined religious practice. They adhere to specific guidelines, may face hardships, and are central to discussions and traditions within the faith.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A large group numbering three hundred and twenty thousand, forming part of the retinue of a distinguished figure as he journeyed.[62] (2) There were three hundred thousand of these individuals in the congregation of the Lord of the World.[63] (3) Monks entered the samavasarana by the east door and sat down in order.[64] (4) The group of religious practitioners who accompanied the individual, participated in the fasting, and attained liberation alongside the central figure, marking a shared spiritual journey.[65] (5) A group of two hundred thousand individuals, who accompanied the Lord on his travels, formed a significant part of his following.[66]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) The individual discussed in the text is a monk, and the questions explore the type of activity the monk is engaged in based on their knowledge, faith, and actions.[67] (2) A religious person who, after death, may become a deva according to the heretics' beliefs, which are being questioned.[68] (3) A religious person who may cherish an idea that Adhakarma is free from sin, and who must discuss and perform pratikramana for lapses before death to achieve propitiation.[69] (4) This is one of the topics for Book Seven, which is a religious figure who has dedicated their life to a religious practice.[70] (5) The text uses the term 'Monks' to indicate a group that is the recipient of respect and reverence, and is related to a way of life.[71]
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) A religious individual who, when seeking lodging, must adhere to specific guidelines regarding the space's condition, origin, and potential disturbances.[72] (2) An individual staying in or between houses, villages, towns, or counties, who may be attacked or experience the hardships associated with a mendicant’s existence.[73] (3) A male individual who, in the context of the text, may beg for cloth for clothes made of various materials.[74] (4) Information about acting sinfully towards plants is understood or heard from the Revered One or from these individuals.[75]
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) Some individuals express hatred towards monks, suggesting that their miserable existence serves as atonement for past transgressions.[76] (2) A wise character who understands the true nature of the lotus-pool and successfully retrieves the lotus using his wisdom.[77] (3) An individual who has renounced worldly life in pursuit of spiritual practice and adheres to specific disciplines and teachings.[78]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) It refers to an individual who has renounced worldly life and dedicated themselves to spiritual practice, following a path of restraint, detachment, and compassion.[79] (2) These individuals are restrained and can become one of two things, and the morality of monks is not always good throughout.[80] (3) The monks are mentioned in the text in the context of the Kilvishika-Bhavana, where reviling the monks leads to the realization of that state.[81]
From: Kalpa-sutra (Lives of the Jinas)
(1) During the Pajjusan, they are allowed to regard their residence as extending a Yojana and a Krosha all around and live there for a moderate time.[82]
The concept of Monk in local and regional sources
"Monk" in the text encompasses diverse meanings: from a deceptive figure seeking power, to religious individuals like Swami Vivekananda, to those who renounce worldly life for spiritual pursuits, including celibacy and detachment from the physical self, and the role of monastic orders.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) Monks, like the author, are grudged even a crumb of bread in India, while in America, they are highly appreciated and respected.[83] (2) Swami Vivekananda became a member of the monks' brotherhood by giving up his rank, where caste pride is given up.[84] (3) This figure is described as greater than the prince in India, reflecting the significant power and respect held by monastics.[85] (4) Individuals from whom Swamiji often returned after early morning walks, sometimes visiting the party.[86] (5) This term refers to the person who has broken down all caste, and is respected by all, even the mightiest, if they are not hypocritical.[87]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) In the poem “Fra Lippo Lippi”, Browning shows this character who cannot separate flesh from spirit, just as we, as readers, cannot isolate the characters from their ideas.[88] (2) The monks are a group of people who are part of the monastic order and are associated with the Lord, and Nanda is converted to their order.[89]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) This refers to individuals living in monasteries, and is mentioned in the provided text, and used as a source for information.[90]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) An individual who deceives the Gamarala about the naekata in order to marry the female child himself and obtain the kingdom.[91] (2) The individual who initially sought work from the Yaka, and who was later targeted by the Yaka, representing the central human character.[92] (3) A Buddhist figure who predicted the youth's death and provided a cryptic answer about when it would occur based on a drop of rain.[93]
The concept of Monk in scientific sources
Monk relates to the text as a figure in Buddhism who seeks enlightenment, adheres to precepts, and engages in practices like meditation. They hold various roles, sometimes facing challenges or holding positions of power.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) Individuals who can receive items from offerings in three ways: by accepting them as recipients of charity, by serving at the altar during Mass, or by acting as parish overseers.[94] (2) Monks are referenced historically, specifically noting the earliest uses of the term and their association with the concept of monasticism across different periods.[95] (3) According to the text, the term monk 沙門 (Shamen) appears to be removed from scriptures or changed to “Buddha sutras” 佛經 (Fojing).[96] (4) They play a central role in the program, serving as counselors and spiritual guides who provide mental health support to the elderly in Thai Buddhist communities.[97] (5) Individuals who Theodosius constructed a dwelling to care for when they were sick, likely intended for hermits within the monastic community.[98]