Do monks carry guns?

Before his fieldwork between 2006 and 2008 in Thailand, Jerryson thought of Buddhism as basically peaceful too. He actually went there to study Buddhist peacemaking. But what he found were militarized monks carrying guns and stockpiling weapons.

Can a Buddhist own a gun?

It is not a right to keep and carry any weapon whatsoever in any manner whatsoever and for whatever purpose.” That interpretation stands as “the law of the land” but it still doesn't conclude what weapons “arms” includes.

Did monks use weapons?

Many monks were also accomplished archers, and used bamboo-and-rattan bows, called daikyū, with bamboo arrows. The most traditional weapon of the monk, however, was the naginata, a weapon much like the Chinese guandao or podao European glaive or the Russian sovnya.

Are monks allowed possessions?

The monk has the use of three robes: an outer garment, an under garment, and a cloak. The monk's equipment also includes begging bowl, a belt, a razor, a needle, a strainer, a staff and a tooth-pick. With his robes, these eight items, i.e. the Eight Requisites are allowed to the monk by the Buddha.

Do monks believe in killing?

Of all the moral precepts instilled in Buddhist monks the promise not to kill comes first, and the principle of non-violence is arguably more central to Buddhism than any other major religion.

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What happens when a monk dies?

The Burial of a Monk

Standing at the head of the grave, the abbot prays while blessing both the body and the grave one last time with holy water and incense. A white cloth is placed over the body and then the body is carefully lowered into the grave while the community sings Psalm 138.

What happens if a Buddhist kills?

Sri Dhammananda taught warfare is accepted as a last resort, quoting the Buddha's conversation with a soldier. In addition capital punishment for murder is justified according to this interpretation of Buddhism because the Judge is not seen as causing death but rather the actions of the murderer executed are.

Can a Buddhist monk touch a woman?

Monks are forbidden from touching or coming close to women's bodies, because it is believed that a woman's body is contrary to a monk's vows. Thus, most temples in Thailand put an announcement which restricts women from entering.

What can a monk not do?

Monks are not allowed to request anything from lay people; and lay people cannot demand anything from the monks. The spirit of it is more in the nature of open-hearted giving.

What would a monk carry?

The Bhikkhus are only allowed 4 items (other than their robes): a razor, a needle, an alms bowl and a water strainer.

What is a monk weapon?

Monk weapons are short swords and simple weapons that don't have heavy or two handed properties. And you are proficient with short swords and simple weapons.

Can a monk use a spear?

Yes, spears count as monk weapons. The bonus unarmed attack can be a kick, a headbutt or knee strike, or he can take a hand off the spear to do it.

What weapons do monks use in real life?

They include the common axe, cudgel, spear, halberd, sword and broadsword, 3-section staff, dart, dagger, black tiger hammer, plum blossom broadsword, Bodhidharma staff, tiger hooks and many others. These weapons are equally divided between short and long.

Do monks get paid?

The salaries of Buddhist Monks in the US range from $18,280 to $65,150 , with a median salary of $28,750 . The middle 50% of Buddhist Monks makes $28,750, with the top 75% making $65,150.

Can a monk get married?

Buddhists monks choose not to marry and remain celibate while living in the monastic community. This is so that they can focus on achieving enlightenment .

Do monks pay taxes?

Priests, nuns, monks and brothers who take vows of poverty don't pay taxes as long as they work for a church institution. They rely on their superiors for a modest living allowance, which isn't taxable.

Can monks hug?

“In this culture, people like to give a hug in friendship, but monks don't do that. We don't even shake hands," said Bhante Kusala (photo 1), who is studying at the Divinity School.

Can a monk defend themselves?

The Buddhist code that governs the life of monks permits them to defend themselves, but it forbids them to kill, even in self-defence.

Are girls allowed to be monks?

Women can be ordained as the equivalent of monks in China, South Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam, mostly dominated by the Mahayana school of Buddhism. Female ordination is not available in the Tibetan tradition nor in Cambodia, Laos or Myanmar.

What do Muslims think about Buddhists?

Instead of religion, some Muslims regard Buddhism as a philosophy since Buddha's original teaching never teaches about God. If it is a religion, it should consist of the concept of faith in a supreme power that protects all beings, determines human destiny, and accepts God-provisions over humans.

How do Buddhist see suicide?

Although Buddhism does not directly address suicide, it is based on non-violence—not killing or harming living things. Killing oneself is seen as a harmful action that will not end one's suffering but, rather, lead to another form of suffering.

Can Buddhist eat meat?

Many Buddhists interpret this to mean that you should not consume animals, as doing so would require killing. Buddhists with this interpretation usually follow a lacto-vegetarian diet. This means they consume dairy products but exclude eggs, poultry, fish, and meat from their diet.

Are monks buried without a coffin?

Monks are also buried on a plank, not a coffin. If the family is allowed to attend the burial, they're warned that the person's face will be exposed. Otherwise it might be traumatic for them, especially when throwing a handful of soil in the grave afterwards. So there was already this familiarity with death.

What happens on the 49th day after death?

During the 49 days after death in Buddhism, a lama, or spiritual leader, will traditionally recite “The Tibetan Book of the Dead” every day. The lama provides the dead with instructions on how to navigate the bardos before reincarnating.

Why are there no red flowers at a Buddhist funeral?

White flowers are the traditional Buddhist flower of mourning and may be sent to the family. Sending red flowers or gifts of food are considered poor funeral etiquette.