RELS 1506 Chapter Notes - Chapter 4: Bhikkhuni, Lie, Sutta Nipata

• School: University of Iowa
• Department: Religious Studies
• Course: RELS 1506
• Professor: Kalzang Bhutia

Document Summary

Basis of renouncers life lies in: renunciation of household life for sake of religious life, dependence upon generosity of population at large. Depends on good will for food, clothing, dwellings. 2 socially distinct categories: homeless wanderers, lay people. Buddhists have always understood it as invitation to wider community. Bhiksuni/ bhikkhuni: buddhist nun: theravada specifies for candidate. Novice head shaved then recites formula to take refuge in the. Rules of the order fall in 8 categories; (cid:455)ou do an(cid:455) of the follo(cid:449)ing (cid:455)ou"re e(cid:454)pelled: taking (cid:449)hat isn"t gi(cid:448)en, having sex, killing, falsely claiming spiritual attainments. 4 particular concerns in buddhist monastic rule. Unity and cohesion of the sangha: spiritual life, dependence of the sangha on wider community, appearance of sangha in eyes of wider community. From wanderer to settled life; forest dwellers and town dwellers. In poem near beginning of the suttanipata: renouncer advised to wander alone. Beginning of institutionalizing buddhism: monks have to stay in one establishment for monsoon months.