question_answer

Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:

Rules for Monks and Nuns

These are some of the rules laid down in the Vinaya Pitaka: When a new felt (blanket/rug) has been made by a bhikkhu, it is to be kept for (at least) six years. If after less than six years he should have another new felt (blanket/rug) made, regardless of whether or not he has disposed of the first, then - unless he has been authorised by the bhikkhus - it is to be forfeited and confessed.

In case a bhikkhu arriving at a family residence presented with cakes or cooked grain-meal, he may accept two or three bowlfuls if he so desires. If he should accept more than that, it is to be confessed. Having accepted the two or three bowlfuls and having taken them from there, he is to share them among the bhikkhus. This is the proper course here.

Should any bhikkhu, having set out bedding in a lodging belonging to the sangha - or having had it set out - and then on departing neither put it away nor have it put away, or should he go without taking leave, it is to be confessed.

(a) Name any two Buddhist texts in which the rules for the monks have been laid down.

(b) Why were these rules framed?

(c) What was the sangha? Explain?

(d) State any three rules mentioned in the passage, for the bhikkhus.

 

Answer:

(a) (i) Sutta Pitaka, (ii) Vinay Pitaka.

(b) These rules were framed to maintain simplicity and dhamma. Mainly, these rules were for monks and nuns.

(c) (i) Sangha was a body of disciples of the Buddha.

(ii) It was an organisation of monks who became teachers of dharma.

(d) (i) a new felt (blanket/rug) made by a bhikkhu is to be kept for (at least) six years.

(ii) In case a bhikkhu arrives at a family residence, he should accept 2 or 3 bowlfuls.

(iii) Should any bhikkhu, having set out bedding in a lodging belonging to the Sangha or having had it set out and then on departing neither put it away nor have put it away, or should he go without taking leave, it is to be confessed.