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during the rainy season. Spending this time at the temple or living alone in a “kuti,” they practice self-discipline and meditation. In classes, they learn to speak and read Pali, the language of ancient texts and religious practices. They also study Buddhist teachings. In this way, the monkhood is thought to offer practical living skills that will help each man cope more effectively with stress at work or in his family life. In Thailand, the monkhood is limited to men, although women can become nuns. Women still shave their heads. They live, study, and learn at the temples. But they wear white robes like monks at ordination. Their “rank” is considered to be somewhat lower than that of monks. Other branches of Buddhism look at women differently and allow for their ordinations. |
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Though many are part of the Sangha for a short time, some men return to the monkhood off and on throughout their lives. Even |
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The Sangha actually has legal authority in Thailand. Ministers, priest, rabbis and other church leaders in the U.S. have legal rights to marry people, but the Sangha has more authority than that. Sometimes they must be consulted and their permission obtained before civic projects are allowed to proceed. |
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decide when to start constructing a house or open a new business. They are also called on to bless the house or business once work is complete. The highest and most powerful Sangha authority is that of the His Majesty the King. |
Kinds of Monks Within certain limits, monks chose for themselves the kind of lifestyle they will lead. Usually, those who wear the darker robes are academicians who focus on |
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They do not eat after 12 noon. If their person or garment is touched by a female, they must go through a process of cleansing. They may not accept food or other items directly from the hand of a woman. They may not consume alcohol, have intimate physical relationships, or intentionally cause harm to any person or animal. They act with compassion and kindness toward all living beings, and seek calmness and thoughtful reflection in themselves. |
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