BJ154 The Auro of Wisdom/C2 Adopting a Monastic Life

For those who are committed to cultivation, I encourage you to be ordained as monks or nuns. The meaning of adopting a monastic life is so that you can better concentrate on your cultivation, focusing solely on spreading the Dharma.

In principle, choosing a monastic life is an act of offering your body and mind to Shakyamuni Buddha. Therefore this pure act of celibacy is worthy of our praise.

However, not everyone has the affinity to take up a monastic life. Thus, it is not mandatory that you lead a monastic life.

A practitioner can cultivate as a lay Buddhist, as everything should be done naturally.

Hence, it is equally good whether you adopt a monastic life or not.

In True Buddha School, you must consider these three factors when deciding whether to lead a monastic life:

1. Do you suffer from any handicaps or chronic illnesses? Do you have any mental illnesses? Do you have a bad record of criminal offenses? 2. Do you have consent from your parents or spouse? 3. Can you undertake the loneliness and simple lifestyle demanded of a life of cultivation?

I feel that these three points are of utmost importance. When you have thought through these issues clearly, then you can take up a monastic life.

If after a while you feel that the monastic lifestyle does not suit your preferences, you can always choose to return to secular life. You are free to choose, and no one can stop you from returning to secular life. Once you grow your hair, remove your monk’s robe or lama outfit, you have returned to secular life.

Returning to secular life is nothing to be ashamed of, as you can still continue with your practice of the True Buddha Tantra.

The only difference is that you have chosen not to practice full time.

Thus, I feel that to lead a monastic life is a bold move, but those lay Buddhists who have attained enlightenment at home are even more remarkable for their achievements.

All my life I have upheld the ideals of freedom and democracy. It would be a crime to impose anything on anyone under the banner of True Buddha School.