PART III.

THE SANGHA.

256. Q. How do Buddhist Bhikkhus differ from the priests of other religions?

A. In other religions the priests claim to be intercessors between men and God, to help to obtain, pardon of sins; the Buddhist Bhikkhus do not acknowledge or expect anything from a divine power.

257. Q. But why then was it worth while to create this Order, or Brotherhood, or Society, apart from the whole body of the people, if they were not to do what other religious orders do?

A. The object in view was to cause the most virtuous, intelligent, unselfish and spiritual-minded persons in a country to withdraw from the social surroundings where their sensual and other selfish desires were naturally strengthened, devote their lives to the acquisition of the highest wisdom, and fit themselves to teach and guide others out of the pleasant path leading-towards misery, into the harder path that leads to true happiness and final liberation.

258. Q. Besides the Eight, what two additional observances are obligatory upon the Bhikkhus?

A. I observe the precept to abstain from dancing, singing and unbecoming shows.

I observe the precept to abstain from receiving gold or silver.

The whole Dasa, or Bhikkhu Sila, or Ten Precepts, are binding on all Bhikkhus and Samaneras, or novices, but optional with lay devotees.

The Althanga Sila are for those who aspire to higher stages beyond the heavenly regions, [**] aspirants after Nirvana.

259. Q. Are there separate Rules and Precepts for the guidance and discipline of the Order?

A. Yes: there are 250, but all come under the following four heads

Principal Disciplinary Rules (Patimokkha samvara sila).

Observances for the repression of the senses (Indriya samvara sila).

Regulations for justly procuring and using food, diet, robes, &c. (Paccaya sannissita sila).

Directions for leading an unblemished life (Ajivapari suddha sila).

260. Q. Enumerate some crimes and offences that Bhikkhus are particularly prohibited from committing.

A. Real Bhikkhus abstain from:

Destroying the life of beings;

Stealing;

False exhibition of "occult" powers to deceive anybody;

Sexual intercourse;

Falsehood;

The use of intoxicating liquors, and eating at unseasonable times;

Dancing, singing, and unbecoming shows; Using garlands, scents, perfumes, etc.;

Using high and broad beds, couches or seats; receiving presents of gold, silver, raw grain and meat, women and maidens, slaves, cattle, elephants, etc.;

Defaming;

Using harsh and reproachful language; Idle talk;

Reading and hearing fabulous stories and tales Carrying messages to and from laymen;

Buying and selling;

Cheating, bribing, deception and fraud;

Imprisoning, plundering, and threatening others; and