Life of a monk in Buddhism, and other Indian religions

As I walked through rows of Buddhist monks chanting in sync with His Holiness Gyalwang Drukpa (the current reincarnation of Naropa) at semis Ladakh, it was impossible for me to not think more about their life, their beliefs, their education and their aspirations. Looking at them it wasn’t difficult to see what separated them from us - they all wore deep maroon or yellow robes, spoke a language none of us understood, and had an aura about them which we clearly lacked.

A young monk-in-the-making at Hemis, Ladakh

But then there was much which also connected them with us - they all had smartphones and often made videos and took selfies with them. Many of the monks also had selfie sticks which they used in each break for group pics, and even to make videos. They were all so occupied with the event that I never thad then time to interview them beyond a few questions, but I still learnt a few things about their life then and though my readings later on.

Buddhist prayer wheel

So who is a buddhist monk? Well, a monk in general is someone who renounces worldly life in pursuit of spiritual knowledge and enlightenment. The monks of each religion have subtle differences, yet they have enough in common they they can be called to belong to a brotherhood of monasticism, and are often respected by common people like us world over.

The term used for a Buddhist monk is ‘Bhiskshu’ or Bhikkhu (in Pali). This comes from the sanskrit word for alms, Bhiksha. So someone who asks for bhiksha is called a bhikshu. However, it’s not as simple as it might sound because a bhikshu is also expected to live a holy life in all aspects, both externally and internally.

A monk busy studying...

The process of becoming a bhikshu stars from being includes into the order as a novice called a Samanera. A Samanera is often quite young, but not younger than 8 years of age. From that time to about 20 years of age, the Samanera spends all his time learning about Buddhism and the life of a monk. If all goes well, then at an age no lower than 20, a Samanera is given the status of a bhikshu.

Once a bhikshu, there are multiple roles and responsibilities which are bestowed upon the monks and the most important of these is to preserve and uphold Buddhism. They are revered by the common men and women, and in return they spend all their life in the service of God and leading a life of meditation and ideal moral values.

A young monk in deep prayer

Monasticism in other Indian religions

Monasticism is not a concept exclusive to Buddhism, and many other Indian faiths also follow it. Here is a brief overview of monks in other Indian religions:

Hinduism - the concept of monasticism exists in Hinduism as well, though it’s much different from Buddhism. A monk in Hinduism is called a Sanyasi, and he is someone who has renounced life in the last of the four stages of life for a Hindu, after Brahmacharya (bachelor student), Grihastha (householder) and Vanaprastha (forest dweller, retired).

Jainism - Just like Buddhism, monasticism is an integral part of Jainism as well, and Jain monks are greatly revered within the community as well. One can renounce life at any stage and become a monk, and there is often a grand ceremony conducted to mark this event.



Islam - Monasticism is forbidden.

Christianity - commonly practised, but there are marked differences from Buddhist monasticism. For instance, a monk in Christianity is not a priest (though he could be ordained as one), but in Buddhism a monk is also a priest. Read more.

Sikhism - Monasticism is strictly forbidden

Bahai - Monasticism is forbidden

Parsis - Monasticism is forbidden