-
Search Results
-
In reply to: Why do monks shave their heads?
When the prince who was to become the Buddha left his palace to seek a way beyond ageing, sickness and death, it is said that one of the first things that he did was to shave off his hair and beard and put on the yellow cloth.
Buddhist monks always completely shave their head and beard, showing their commitment to the Holy Life (Brahmacariya) of one gone forth into the homeless life.
In South Asia some ascetics tear out their hair, while others never touch it so that it becomes a tangled mass.
A rule states that a bhikkhu should not allow his hair to grow beyond a certain length or time, so he will shave usually at least once a fortnight or month, sometimes more frequently.
To do this he uses his razor, which is also one of his requisites.
“Hair-of-the-head” (kesa) is one of the five parts of the body mentioned in the ordination ceremony and is used to recollect the true nature of the body.
The bhikkhu is also not allowed to dye or pluck out any grey hairs, for they are useful reminders of old-age and impermanence.
Just consider how much time and money is wasted by people trying to make their hair remain beautiful and young-looking.
Learn more about the Theravadin Buddhist Monk’s Rules here:
One should show respect from one’s heart in the way that seems best to oneself, recollecting the Triple Gem and doing it mindfully.
No good monk (or Buddha statue) is going to take offence if one does not bow.
Learn more about the Theravadin Buddhist Monk’s Rules here:
In Thailand, it has been observed that Thai Buddhist monks are allowed to drink tea, cocoa, or coffee without milk after midday.
But in some other Buddhist countries like Myanmar, monks are not allowed to do this.
Is this part of the Vinaya rules or is this just tradition, custom, or local practice?
If it is in the Vinaya, how do you explain the differences in interpretation?
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:
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.
In essence, they are the same: visual representations of Buddhist concepts and Deities. The fundamental difference is in the style that the painting is painted in. The Pauba is distinctively different, the artist is given more room to express himself, while the Deity is always painted with directives (proportions, ornaments, throne, etc..).
There exist Newari Paubas, painted in older styles, that may resemble traditional Tibetan Thangka styles.
Topic: What is sand mandala??
Sand Mandalas are the ancient form of Buddhist art. They are the temporary form of arts. The process of creating and then destroying the mandalas has a symbolic importance for monk practitioners.
In Tibet the sand mandala is called Kuktson Kyilkhor, meaning “mandala of colored sand powder.” In Sanskrit, it describes “cosmogram”, or “world in harmony.” According to Tibetan culture, wherever a Sand Mandala is created, all sentient beings and the surrounding environment are blessed.
There is outer, inner as well as the secret meaning of every mandala. On the outermost level they represent the world in its divine form; on the inner level, they represent a map with the help of which an ordinary human mind is transformed into an enlightened mind. On the secret level, they represent a perfect balance between body, mind and the soul. The creation of the sand painting is meant to purify and heal on all three levels. Unlike Painted mandalas, Sand mandalas are not permanent. They go into construction and destruction. Before the sand mandala is actually constructed, the place is prayed by monks who will make music, chant and recite prayers and mantras.
Search Results for 'Buddhist art'
Viewing 8 results - 1 through 8 (of 8 total)
Viewing 8 results - 1 through 8 (of 8 total)