The Bhikkhus' Rules_ A Guide for Laypeople

Abstract

Buddhist friends in Malaysia asked me to explain some­thing about the Vinaya rules that guide the Buddhist monk’s life — in particular about monks or bhikkhus of the Theravada lineage. We monks already have several learned texts in English to help us so a simplified lay per­son’s guide’ now seems in order. (This work therefore deals specifically with men. As Buddhist female renuciants (nuns) find their place they will be in the best posi­tion to explain their own rules.)

My aim has been to illustrate those of the monk’s rules that also affect the lay person in some way. At first it was going to deal only with a few questions but it has grown with people’s suggestions into a more thorough work of reference. (It was originally circulated as a computer printout, and its positive reception encouraged this complete reworking and revision, incorporating many of the suggestions sent to me.) Even so, the best introduction remains a good practising bhikkhu who shows that amid the myriad things of the material world living the simple life is possible with care — hence the many rules — much as in the Buddha’s time.