What is the difference between a monk and a lay buddhist

Schools, such as the Dhammacarini School, are being opened in order to offer opportunities to poor Thai girls and women as well as an education. However, equality for Thai men and women is far in the future. And, with the socio-economic factors surrounding Maechi Wabi and other women in Thai society, it is hard for them to achieve any other life than one of poverty to renounce to begin with.

However, the comparison of the two lives also allows one to understand Buddhism more. It is these differences, however, that allow one to truly understand Buddhism and its beauty and power in the world. Buddhism crosses gender and socioeconomic lines. It is universal in its appeal and is relevant and important to people from all walks of life, rich or poor, man or woman.

Unlike society, it does not discriminate against an individual based on their background. Where Thai society has blatant ingrained sexism within it, Buddhism levels the playing field. This is not to say that sexism does not exist in Buddhism; it does.

The hierarchy of the Buddhist religion is dominated by monks and will be for many years to come. However, it is the ideals and virtues of the religion itself that truly level the playing field for every individual regardless of their gender, race, creed, etc.

It is a religion based on personal inner development and enlightenment. This foundation provides a deeper, purer equality than any other in the world.

If one truly believes and honestly practices, no one can ever take their faith away from them. Though certain social, cultural, and economic factors may influence an individual or the outward appearance of a religion, the spirit and virtues of the religion can never be altered or influenced.

They remain true no matter what. In conclusion, the comparison of these two very different stories allows one to understand Buddhism and its ideals on a deeper level. It also describes a faith that has the ability to transcend any boundaries and reach out to individuals from all walks of life who wish to explore their own spirituality and seek liberation.

Brown, Sid. Boland, W. Boland, William K. The newsletter highlights recent selections from the journal and useful tips from our blog. Inquiries Journal provides undergraduate and graduate students around the world a platform for the wide dissemination of academic work over a range of core disciplines.

Representing the work of students from hundreds of institutions around the globe, Inquiries Journal 's large database of academic articles is completely free. Learn more Blog Submit. Disclaimer: content on this website is for informational purposes only.

It is not intended to provide medical or other professional advice. Moreover, the views expressed here do not necessarily represent the views of Inquiries Journal or Student Pulse, its owners, staff, contributors, or affiliates. Forgot password? Reset your password ». By William K. Boland , Vol. Cite References Print. Fieser, James and John Powers.

Scriptures of the East. New York: Mcgraw-Hill, William K. From the Inquiries Journal Blog. So all Buddhists — whether monk or lay — Go for Refuge to some extent, and all have the challenge of doing so more fully. As he puts it: commitment is primary; lifestyle is secondary. For this reason the Triratna Buddhist Order was set up as neither lay nor monastic.

Order Members live in a range of ways: some have families, some live in communities not just with other Order members , others are chaste anagarikas. At festivals, the lay community donate to the monastery and temple, making offerings of food and new robes, and helping with cleaning or building work. Lay People. Common forms of Buddhist practice for lay persons include visiting temples to pray, burn incense, place offerings of fruit or flowers at altars, and observe rituals performed by monks, such as the consecration of new images or the celebration of a Buddhist festival.

The Sangha has kept Buddhist texts safe over the centuries and has interpreted and taught Buddhist philosophy. The Sangha has also provided inspiration and guidance on how to live a good Buddhist life. It is believed that the Buddha did not name a successor as he neared the end of his life. He did not consider himself a leader, but someone who had understood the truth of the universe.

He suggested his followers should live by the Dhamma , which is his teachings about this truth. Therefore the Sangha, the community of monks and nuns, was created to support each other in living according to the Dhamma. These are:. These verses refer to the rules bhikkus live by, such as showing restraint and living by the Dhamma.