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Buddhist Priest and the Law-who or which should change -the monk or the Law ?By Charles.S.Perera
Lord Buddha did not interfere into worldly affairs. He did not get involved with the laws of the kingdom. He knew the value of an army for a King-an army with good commanders and soldiers. When king Suddhodana complained to him that his soldiers leave the army to become monks, the Buddha made a rule that a soldier should not be ordained as a monk while still in military service.
One day a Cammander of an Army called Seeha called on the Buddha. At the end of his visit, Seeha asked the Buddha whether he would accept him to his Order. The Buddha told him that as a responsible man he should carry out his duties thoughtfully and discharge them well, and asked him not to leave the army to become a monk.(Seeha Senapathi Sutta –AN 5)
In the Sutta Pitaka, there may perhaps be an instance of a Monk breaking the law of the land, on which the Buddha had commented. I do not know of such a Sutta in my limited knowledge of the Sutta Pitaka. However, it may not be wrong to assume that there had been no such incidents during the time of the Buddha, and long after, until we come to modern times in Sri Lanka.
The ancient Buddhist history speaks of the householders, who had families, a home and land. They were attached to their families, and material possessions. Then there were those who gave up the householders life to follow the teachings of the Buddha, by entering the Order of monks. Once they left their households they gave up their attachment to everything that belonged to them as householders. They, as Monks, had the three principle requirement of food, shelter and robes. The three robes and the bowl were their worldly possessions.
In Buddhism there is no acquisition of knowledge other than, being instructed in the teachings of the Buddha, and learning to meditate. A monk spent his time in meditation discussing the teachings-the Dhamma, and receiving instructions, or giving instructions to acolytes.
They went from place to place well disciplined one following the other according to their seniority . They did not talk, or laugh loud. They wore the mud coloured robe which was a symbol of non attachment. They spread the words of the Buddha, without attempting to convert any one. Their disciplined way of life was an incentive for others to follow the teachings of the Buddha. The Buddha often told his followers, " be an example, Monks".
Being what they were, the disciples of the Buddha, did not have confrontations with the law. But yet they were scolded, insulted, and even refused "alms". One day the Buddha saw a Monk returning after the alms round, sad and dejected. The Buddha called him and asked him what was wrong. Then he said how a householder scolded and chased him away, and refused alms to him. The Buddha told the Monk to return to the same house, and each time the house holder scolded him to make a knot in his robe. The following day the Buddha saw the monk returning, with his robe full of knots. The Buddha called him, and asked him to undo the knots. Buddha asked him what remained. The monk replied there was nothing.
Thus the monks forgave those who were aggressive. They pardoned their enemies. They suffered insults and aggressive confrontation, without anger, or ill will.
That was then, but now things have changed. The colour of the robe is no more the colour of detachment. The monks do not walk quietly one after the other according to seniority. The monks, talk loud and laugh loud. They argue and go on manifestations. They acquire knowledge, of worldly subjects,( less of Dhamma) and do not meditate. They give up households, to take up luxury. They grow their hair and look unkempt and unattractive. They are no more in monasteries getting instructions from their teachers, and learning the teachings of the Buddha. They drive cars, and ride on the pillions of motor bicycles. They go to universities and make manifestations along with other students. They throw stones at Police officers. They insult, speak harsh language, make demands, and go on manifestations. They show anger, hatred and intolerance. To day many Monks have become, worldly Monks.
When things have come to this, it is normal that the Monks are treated as any other person, and when they break the law, insult people, and go on manifestations, they are disrespectfully handled by the Police as any law breaker. Who should then change the Monk or the Law ?
The incident of the Monk who was remanded for the violation of the ban on Loudspeakers is unfortunate. These incidents should be settled by the Police Officers before they are taken to Courts. And the Priests should also act with understanding towards the Police Officers who are only doing their duty. A judge should also use his wisdom, and not apply the letter of the law. In English law there is the law of equity which is to give justice beyond the law. A confrontation with the religious persons and the law should be handled with care and foresight.
All Monks fortunately do not fall into the described category. There
are fortunately, still the erudite, disciplined, Venerable Monks who
are an example to follow. They are the Gems, who represent the Order
of the Sangha of the Sublime Buddha, who we worship, and whose blessings
we seek every morning getting up from our beds, and every evening before
we retire to bed.
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