I think of the classic movie, The Sound of Music, where Maria attempts to become a nun. It turned out she wasn't really suited to the convent life. Then there was The Sister Act where Deloris brought refreshing life to the resident sisters yet the movie bordered on making a mockery of the whole order of nuns; at least in my humble opinion.
Down through the ages there have been the Gregorian monks who gave the world the Roman Calendar way back in 1582 which is still in use to this day. Moving on to the Benedictine monks who must, besides remaining celibate, live an aesthetic life abiding strictly by the rules of their respective abbots. Most everyone knows Mother Teresa who began the order of catholic sisters known as Missionaries of Charity dedicated to serving the "poorest of the poor".
Protestants have their ministers and pastors who help to lead and guide their individual congregations, hopefully, in correct Biblical directions. Generally they do not live together in seclusion from the world but marry, have a family of their own and reach out primarily for the spiritual growth but also are helps to the parishioners under their care, in their times of joys and sorrows.
The children of Israel, more commonly known as "Jews" today, had/have a priesthood since God told Moses to ordain the tribe of Levi to do so. There will be more on that later.
This brings us to the Buddhist monks and nuns community called the Sangha. In Burning Quest - Part 16, there was reference to the Triple Gem. The Triple Gem constitutes: Buddha, Dharma and the Sangha.
Here is a quotation from the internet in relation to Zen Buddhism's definition of the Triple Gem, also known as The Three Refuges, Three Treasures or The Three Jewels (see link for reference).
"As it is said in Zen, "I take refuge in the Buddha, wishing for all sentient beings to understand the great way profoundly and make the greatest resolve. I take refuge in the Dharma, wishing for all sentient beings to delve deeply into Satori (enlightenment), causing their wisdom to be as broad as the sea. I take refuge in the Sangha, wishing all sentient beings to lead the congregation in harmony, entirely without obstruction." (emphasis mine)
The Sangha is the Buddhist order of monks and nuns, who, like every other Buddhist, follow the set of moral laws and ethics, following the three simple principles as delineated in Dr. K. Sri Dhammananda's book What Buddhists Believe, page 190...
"To avoid evil; to do good, to purify the mind..."
Excellent principles for one and all yet, the "Vinaya Pitaka" (basket of Discipline), a book of all those laws and principles with which to govern themselves is to be more strictly adhered to by the Sangha. The extra rules if violated do not affect the karma of the individual so much but could bring bad repute to the order of monks and nuns if not legalistically adhered to (Pages 192-193).
Yes, even those among the followers of Jesus Christ who wish to be in positions of leadership, such as elders, deacons, teachers, etc, have to behave circumspectly in character and conduct (1 Timothy 3). They are setting the example for their own, and, outsiders are observing. The bad reputation could fall upon themselves, their families, all of the believers in Jesus but worst of all, upon God Himself.
Yes, those in governing positions will be judged more strictly (James 3:1). Yet each and every child of God has the responsibility to live in such a way that will glorify God. This good praiseworthy character and conduct develops from the growing relationship one has with God Himself. Out of love and devotion to Him, praise and glory for Him will be reflected from the lives of His children.
This is not to burden anyone with extra rules. Extra rules burden people. In the book of Galatians in the Bible, the writer, Paul, tells them to stop adding on rules and not to listen to those want-to-be leaders who are binding them up with 'slavery'. Paul says in Galatians 5:1 (ESV)...
"For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."
Jesus Himself confronted the religious leaders of His day, saying that they...
"...bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne upon men's shoulders..." (Matthew 23:4-5 NIV).
Our freedom is in the relationship with Christ. A mind and heart in tandem with God to live the Christ-like way of life, to please God; not to please man nor ones own self.
Beware always of legalism! Sensible rules, yet in-the-spirit-of-the-law principles are good. Human beings tend towards control, control, control, of others. Supremacy. Be the boss. So beware, no matter which religious or other affiliation one follows!
It is interesting to note that lay Buddhists are expected to finance and look after the needs of the Buddhist monks and nuns food, shelter and clothing, etc.
Similarly in Old Testament Bible times God instructed Moses to tell the people of Israel that among the tithes and offerings to God was a portion to be given to Aaron and sons; the priestly clan of Levi and the whole tribe of Levi, who attended to the Tabernacle and its transportation around the wilderness (Numbers 18:12, 21, 26; Deuteronomy 18:1; 26:12; 2 Chronicles 31:4; and Hebrews 7:5).
This priestly group carried on sporadically throughout their history, despite times of failure of the other tribes to give their tithes, until New Testament times. Meaning they carried out temple duties but no longer needed to transport the Tabernacle and furnishings, obviously, once they were in the Promised Land and the temple had been built. The tithes and offerings were still supposed to be brought in and distributed to those who still did duty.
There were times when the Israelites did not fulfill their duty in presenting their tithes and offerings. That forced the Levites to have to grow their own food and spend time to eek out a living instead of concentrating fully upon God's work.
Again, Jesus told His disciples that when they were sent out to the towns and villages to preach and heal, they were supposed to stay in the home of the hospitable person. We read from Luke 10:7 (NIV)...
"Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house."
This practice was carried into Christianity, further defined by the apostle Paul. Those who served God full time and well were worthy of "double honor" (1 Timothy 5:17). One of my favorite verses that puts an amused smile on my face just thinking of the imagery is 1 Timothy 5:18 (ESV)...
"You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain" and "The laborer deserves his wages".
The designation for tithing amount to give in Old Testament times was a "tenth" of their livestock, grain, and others (Deuteronomy 14:23). In the New Testament Paul states "give in accordance to your income" (1 Corinthians 16:2); "Give with a cheerful heart" (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).
When should the people give? Weekly, so there is no big panicked scramble for funds when a pressing need arises (1 Corinthians 16:2).
The giving was not restricted to the preachers but also to widows who were truly widows (1 Timothy 5); the poor; those in dire straights. A guiding motto can be gleaned from Galatians 6:10 (ESV)...
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up so then let us do good to every one, and especially to those who are of the household of faith."
It is particularly nice to be on the receiving end of such giving especially to families of preachers who live on non-fixed incomes living "on faith". It has been appreciated time and again.
Yes, there are those supposed "men of God" who exploited this benevolent giving and went about preaching "for gain" (Philippians 1:15-18) Human nature is often a sorry tale. May God grant wisdom in our giving to give aright with a generous heart devoid of greed. May the givers and receivers give gratitude to God our Provider (Jehovah Jireh).
"The laborer deserves his hire." (Luke 10:7 ESV)
Let's talk a bit more about the Sangha, how the members can opt in or out of the Sangha and/or be excommunicated.
Earlier it was mentioned that the Sangha members followed "extra" rules in order to distinguish themselves from the lay Buddhist. The desired result is to characterize the member with a certain 'pure' way of life to gain respect from the lay person; as well as, of course, to earn merit towards Nirvana (Pages 200-202).
Anyone, whether monk or nun, must follow these to avoid negative consequences.
"If he violates any one [of the 4 Higher moralities] a monk is regarded as a "defeated" person in the Sangha community" (Page 201).
This person may wish to stay despite disciplinary action; the option is left up to the individual for the most part.
According to Ajahn Brahm on why he was excommunicated it is noted that it was not just one senior monk who sent him away but a body of them.
God's Word addresses this in Matthew 18:15-20 which tells us that if we have anything against any brother to go to him privately to reconcile the matter. If that doesn't work to take one or two others with you and try again. If that still does not work then bring the matter before the whole congregation to try resolve the matter. It is important to use grace and mercy in so doing.
Galatians 6:1 (NIV) is very good wisdom...
"Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted."
Generally speaking, Sri Dhammananda says on Page 201, a person...
"...becomes a bhikka (monk) of his own accord in order to lead a holy life for as long as he likes..."
For example, I've heard that in Thailand, the sons in most Buddhist families will become a monk, at least for short periods of time (for as little as a week to 3 months). It is said to be
"...an act of filial piety that is extremely common for many Thai Buddhist families."
This is akin to a sacred rite of passage or even of pride or national service for a large percentage of Thai to subjugate themselves to the Order of the Sangha.
Depending on the particular country, the way of 'keeping a monk' differs. It's already been stated that the lay people are supposed to support the Sangha. However, in Thailand they are sent out to 'beg' for their keep. Even in Malaysia, upon occasion, I've seen the Buddhist monk seeking alms from folks eating in cafes. There is even an article entitled Zen and the Art of Begging.
Any Buddhist can become a monk or a nun if they so desire. They are then able to concentrate more fully upon their Four Noble Laws and Eight-Fold Path to Enlightenment working their way to Nirvana. They also guide lay people in this Middle Way. Nowadays they also spread the Dharma, teaching in schools and universities, teaching mindfulness and stress reduction, are involved as web-masters and in live-broadcasting, and spiritual counseling to name a few functions of the Sangha.
Back in ancient times, one had to be born into the priestly Levitical tribe of Israel, as seen in the Old Testament. However, before God decreed and ordained Aaron and sons to the priesthood and the rest of the Levites to assist them, He'd told Moses that each firstborn son of any family of any tribe of Israel had to be dedicated to God for priestly service (Exodus 13:2). It appears that even after God consecrated the Levites for his express worship and full time service, that the other tribes could still dedicate their firstborn sons. We see this in the prophet Samuel's case where his mother Hannah brought him to Eli the High Priest to be of service in the Temple (1 Samuel 1:21-28).
Hannah did this out of love and deep gratitude to God for the gift of her firstborn son Samuel whom God had granted to her out of her many years of barrenness. In fact, she had devoted Samuel to God even before he was conceived. She kept her promise to God. Although Samuel did not become a priest, he was still used mightily by God in his prophet capacity.
Talking about priests in the New Testament book of 1 Peter, chapter 2 and verse 9 (NIV), those who belong to Jesus Christ are called "chosen people", "a royal priesthood," "a holy nation" and "a people belonging to God". For what purpose? To gain our own salvation? NO! Jesus already did that for us through His death and resurrection. Followers of Jesus Christ automatically enter this priesthood of their own choice when they accept Jesus Christ as Savior and gain a lifetime royal priesthood of service to God.
The rest of that verse continues...
"...that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light."
Let us, "praise God from whom all blessings flow" as one hymn puts it. We offer the...
"...sacrifice of praise being the fruit of our lips that confess His name." (Hebrews 13:15 NIV)
This priesthood of God's children also gives Him praise by living that exemplary life, not to gain merit for ourselves, but to give glory to God. We spread His message of love and gift of salvation through Jesus Christ telling others that this offer is for one and all. By so living and doing we show our gratitude and appreciation for granting us salvation from the consequences of our sins, evil desires and unsatisfactory, unwholesome deeds that the human nature is so prone towards. We can praise our Heavenly Father for the gift of His Son Jesus and the indwelling Holy Spirit who helps us to live a sanctified life. May God truly get the glory and honor from His royal priesthood of believers.
~ERC April 2018~
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