Frequently Asked Questions
IS BUDDHISM A RELIGION? PHILOSOPHY? - See this Youtube link from a Buddhist Monk/Scholar regarding religion and Deities and Gods. - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bk4mkiLNKII
IS BUDDHA (Lord Siddartha Gautama) A GOD? - See this Youtube link from a Secular Buddhist practitioner and The Previous Monk/Scholar scholar regarding that question! - https://youtu.be/_MKlOZ0agQU and https://youtu.be/xN_mOGbmSNM
Should a monk ever ask for money “donations” for a blessing/service? Is it right? Can I shake a monk’s hands? How do I provide alms food for monks? The monk’s robes look tattered, why won’t they upgrade? How come the monks keeps a distance from women/opposite gender? This monk is a traveling monk, can I offer them a place to stay to keep from bad weather?
And many more questions surely have risen, and they should always be asked.
Click on the link below to understand the laity and monastic symbiotic relationship
https://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/buddhistworld/layguide.htm
Because Lord Buddha Gautama was originally of noble lineage, his demeanor and practice stood out amongst many of the other practices before his time, and it exuded an air of humility, compassion, respect and nobility.
Monks are only allowed 4 requisites and can only attain them through respectfully “begging” so as to not put a burden on any person.
These items are :
robes/cloths and some forms of clothing.
food and non-alcoholic beverages
shelters such as a hut, an umbrella, or a small tent
and lastly medicines
The concept of “Not-Self” is mindfully considered by monks so monks will not directly tell you they need something (“I need this…” “I need that…”) and it is through the layperson(s)’ relationship and mindfulness of observance where you’ll be able to know if they absolutely need something.
Because monks cannot ask for things directly (unless related directly by “blood”), it is only through compassion & mindfulness, the item(s) they receive are of a highly meritorious nature and when praised by the monks, the Devas see this and in-turn will reward the donors with something in return for their kind deed(s).
You can find a Laypersons’ Guide to Buddhist Monk Interactions on this link
https://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/buddhistworld/layguide.htm
This compilation is for anyone interested about Bhikkhus (monks) and about how to relate to them. Some may think that this lineage follows an overly traditionalist approach but then, it does happen to be the oldest living tradition. A slight caution therefore to anyone completely new to the ways of monasticism, which may appear quite radical for the modern day and age. The best introduction, perhaps essential for a true understanding, is meeting with a practicing Bhikkhu who should manifest and reflect the peaceful and joyous qualities of the Bhikkhu's way of life.