Do Buddhist monastics take lifetime vows?
Ven. Ajahn Maha Boowa, time before his ordaining he had an inclination in leading an married life, and yet, was to become one of the most respected Buddhist master due to an admirable monastic practice throughout his life.
Entering the monastic order entails making a commitment to monastic training that is left open-ended. Privately, a monk might make a vow to remain in robes for the rest of his life, but it is not expected of him. In fact, the majority of those who enter the order eventually leave it.
Temporary ordination has long been a key feature of Thai Buddhism. Traditionally, young men have become monks for the three-month rainy season retreat (vassa), which is held between the full moons of July and October. The value of this custom lies firstly in the young man receiving an immersion in moral and spiritual values before taking on the challenges of marriage and career. Secondly, it provides them with a means to formally express gratitude to their parents for their upbringing (it is believed that by their ordaining their parents gain great merit). Thridly, the custom creates bonds between lay Buddhists and monasteries (where either they or family members have been monks) that may last for generations.
Monks who joined the Sangha intending to remain in it for the rest of their lives often find it more difficult than they imagined, and after some time the pull of the lay life starts to reassert itself. Teachers will usually advise monks considering disrobing to wait for a while before making a firm decision, in order to see whether their intention changes. But if a monk does chooses to leave the order he incurs no social stigma. On the contrary, lay Buddhist communities usually have particular respect and trust for men who have spent some of their lives as monks.
More questions and answers HERE.
Source:
- Without and Within – Ajahn Jayasaro
