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“Hillbilly Buddhist” is a term that combines elements of rural culture with Buddhist philosophy. It often refers to individuals who come from a rural or working-class background in the Southern United States (often referred to as “hillbillies”) and have adopted or integrated Buddhist teachings and practices into their lives.
This term is somewhat colloquial and doesn’t represent a specific formal tradition of Buddhism. Instead, it reflects a blending of cultural identities, suggesting that people from diverse backgrounds can find meaning and resonance in the teachings of Buddhism regardless of their cultural or geographical roots.
The idea of a “Hillbilly Buddhist” may challenge stereotypes and highlight the universal aspects of Buddhist teachings that can be applied by individuals from various walks of life. It’s a reminder that spiritual seekers and practitioners can emerge from unexpected places and backgrounds, transcending cultural boundaries.
If a bhikkhu commits a paaraajika offence he is “defeated” and no longer a bhikkhu even if he is wearing robes.
The Community of bhikkhus will have nothing to do with him and will expel him.
However, if the accused “bhikkhu” does not admit to the offence and it cannot be proved, the results of kamma must be allowed to run their own course.
Buddhism has never engaged in violent witch hunts.
Learn more about the Theravadin Buddhist Monk’s Rules here:
In reply to: Why do monks eat from the bowl?
The Lord Buddha gave this reflection about finding and eating food:
Properly considering alms food, I use it: not playfully, nor for intoxication, nor for putting on weight, nor for beautification; but simply for the survival and continuance of this body, for ending its afflictions, for the support of the chaste life, (thinking) I will destroy old feelings (of hunger) and not create new feelings (from overeating). Thus I will maintain myself, be blameless, and live in comfort.
The alms bowl is another practical symbol of Buddhism, and, like the robes, another requisite of the monks.
Although every bhikkhu is given an alms bowl (and a set of robes) when he becomes a monk, not all of them will actually go on an alms round and only a minority — usually they are the forest meditation bhikkhus — will eat from their bowl sitting on the floor.
Therefore many monks will eat using plates and dishes, while some will eat sitting on the floor at a small table and others at a normal western-style table.
One should not feel shy about asking a monk as to his normal way of eating and then fit in with that.
Those forest bhikkhus who keep the austere practices (dhutanga or tudong) will be stricter about only using one eating vessel.
This can simplify life and remind the bhikkhu that although food is necessary for bodily health he does not have to indulge in an obsession with taste. (It also saves washing-up time.)
Learn more about the Theravadin Buddhist Monk’s Rules here:
In reply to: Why does a monk wear the robe?
The Lord Buddha gave this reflection about why a monk wears a robe:
Properly considering the robe, I use it: simply to ward off cold, to ward off heat, to ward off the touch of flies, mosquitoes, simply for the purpose of covering the parts of the body which cause shame.
In the Lord Buddha’s time, 2,500 years ago, clothing was made without complex machinery. (Although simple ‘sewing-frames’ are mentioned in the texts, which the monks would have used at robe-making – Kathina – time.) So the pattern of the robe is very simple and designed so that it can be made up out of patches of cloth, for discarded rags were often used after washing and dyeing.
This “yellow robe” is considered the banner of the arahant and emblem of Buddhism. For the ordinary monks it is a privilege to be able to wear this robe, continuing the tradition and practicing to be worthy of it.
There are rules as to the robes’ size, color, how they are sewn, type of cloth used, etc.
The color of the robes depends on the dye used. Until very recently, this would have been natural vegetable dye found in the jungle from roots or trees.
Nowadays chemical dyes are more used and sometimes give that more vivid orange color that one sees in Bangkok.
The color white is used by Buddhist devotees to show their commitment to keeping the Precepts — usually the Eight Precepts — on Observance Days. (White robes are also worn by the anagarika, or postulant before he becomes a monk.)
Learn more about the Theravadin Buddhist Monk’s Rules here:
Topic: Seeing Clearly.
Buddhism is largely about seeing clearly; seeing what is there as it is. This requires some interpretation and knowledge — in some cases. We do not know what a tree is, until we learn about it.
But once we have learned, we often no longer see what the tree is.
There are unlimited states of consciousness, as consciousness is unlimited.
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To see clearly we should always refresh our senses…. This means to meditate…Topic: Samadhi
Samadhi is a state of equanimity in all places. It means calmness of mind; and it can be attained through several ways. Mantras are helpful; these give energy, and purify the consciousness. One can reach to high consciousness through this, and with more concentration and purity come more profound effects. Mantras and meditation are both helpful, and they are like two sides of a coin. Meditation and stillness are wisdom in themselves.
As mentioned in Pranayam topic, mantras are always helpful, but the final goal of pranayam is to go beyond mantras. Equanimity is a great key of Buddhism. Very essential in many places, peacefulness, equanimity, and tranquility.
Topic: Forest Meditation
The best way to meditate is to spend time in a forest, or a place in nature, far apart from human surroundings.
Yogis from Buddhism and Hinduism both recommend this; and there is no quicker way to concentration.
To meditate all of the day, with no impediment, lengthens concentration.
The mystic path is seen very nicely in the forest path meditation, — To spend one month this way is indescribable, beautiful, and wonderful.
Sadaksari Lokeshvara is represented with four arms and one face. He sits in the Vajraparyahka attitude. Sadaksari Lokeshvara is one of the manifestations of 108 Avalokiteshvara.
The principal pair of hands is joined against the chest in forming the Anjali. The second pair carries the
rosary in the right and the lotus in the left.In Nepal, Mandalas are generally found in the streets of Thamel in Kathmandu. There are a lot of Thanka Shops in Thamel area. We can also find them in the Art Schools, temples, museums and monasteries.
Thangkas are painted in Art school like Changu Thangka Painting School. Changu Thangka painting school is situated in Bhaktapur. According to an artist at Changu Tangka School Saroj Moktan, Mandala is not only made by Buddhist monks, but it can be painted by anyone who has an interest in art and paintings.
Mandalas are also found in Janaki Temple of Janakpur district. The mandalas made around the Janaki temple portrays the life of God Ram and Goddess Sita, and the story of Ayodhya.
In the temples, the Mandals are made on the ground of Hinduism while in Monasteries, Goombas and Art School mandalas are made on the ground of Buddhism.
Topic: Who is Chenrezig?
Chenrezig is the bodhisattva who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas. He is the most widely revered bodhisattva on in Buddhism. Chenrezig is considered the earthly manifestation. Of the self-born, eternal Buddha, Amitabha.
In the Tibetan Buddhist pantheon of enlightened beings, Chenrezig is renowned as the embodiment of the compassion as Chenrezig.
He is considered the patron bodhisattva of Tibet, and his meditation is practiced in all the great lineages of Tibetan Buddhism. The most common form of Chenrezig is the four-folded and there lies a jewel in those folded hands.
Topic: What is Buddhist Meditation?
Buddhist meditation is the practice in Buddhism and Buddhist philosophy which includes a variety of types of meditation.
Core meditation techniques have been preserved in ancient Buddhism and have proliferated and diversified through teacher-student transmissions.
Some of the meditation are mindfulness, supramundane powers, tranquility, and insight.
Topic: What is lotus (Padma) ?
The Padma is believed to be the central symbol in the Buddhism. Out of Eight Auspicious Symbols, the Padma or the lotus is chosen because lotus grows in the mud but blossoms without getting tainted, in the same way, the person who has the power of ignorance can only reach the enlightenment.
According to the Hindu Legends, Lord Brahma is said to be emerging from the navel of Lord Vishnu sitting on the lotus. The deity of Knowledge is also seen sitting on the flower.
The wheel in mandala represents the circle of life and embodies the process of finding enlightenment. In Native American cultures, the wheel is often used as a symbol of the connection between man and nature. The wheel holds deep meaning in Buddhism.
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