Institution

Question 1

Gradation of commitment

Answer 1

4. Monk (bhikṣu) / Nun (bhikṣuṇī)
5. Novice (both genders: śrāmaṇera / śrāmaṇerī) ___________________
6. Lay follower (both genders: upāsaka / upāsikā) *********
7. (one who has taken refuge in the Three Jewels) (sympathetic donor or well-wisher)

Question 2

lay precepts:

Answer 2

Lifelong:
1. murder
2. stealing
3. unlawful sex
4. lying
5. intoxicants
during ceremonies:
3. unlawful sex > any sex
+
6. dancing, singing, music, shows 7. garlands, perfume, cosmetics 8. high & luxurious beds

Question 3

novices precepts:

Answer 3

1. murder 2. stealing
2. sex
3. lying
4. intoxicants
5. eating after noon
6. dancing, singing, music,
7. shows garlands,perfume, cosmetics
8. high & luxurious beds
9. acceptinggold-silver

Question 4

Basic two-fold structure of a Vinaya –

Answer 4

Rules (ca. 250 rules for monks; ca. 350 for nuns)
- Listed in the “penitential” (Prātimokṣa): misdeeds, arranged by order of seriousness.
- Explained in the commentary (Vibhaṅga) Procedures
- E.g., how to ordain, discipline violators, settle dispute, teach layman, acquire property, enter and manage the rain retreat.

Question 5

Qualifications & Disqualifications for ordination as a monk

Answer 5

male human
healthy
free
debt-free
not in royal service
have parents’ permission twenty years old
have bowl and robes

Question 6

Nuns

Answer 6

According to tradition, order founded at the request of the Buddha’s step-mother (and aunt) Mahāprajāpatī
™ Buddha initially reluctant to admit women, because it would diminish the duration of the Dharma
™ 8 special rules that subordinate nuns to monks
™ Ordination lost in certain areas (e.g. Sri Lanka, Tibet)
Ø Contemporary attempt at reviving nun ordination

Question 7

“economy of merit”

Answer 7

Overall concerns of the Vinaya
™ unity and purity of the Monastic Community
™ to provide conditions conducive to the spiritual practice
™ dependence of the Monastic Community on the larger society
™ the appearance of the Monastic Community in the eyes of that society
™ to maintain, manage, and promote a successful institution.

Question 8

Roles of the Laity
–

Answer 8

• Practice the “Noble Eightfold Path”, especially
• Generosity
• Ethical conduct (cf. the 5 precepts)
  ™ Support the Community of monks and nuns through:
• Alms
• Bedding and seats
• Robes
• Buildings, repairs and ritual items
• Offerings to the Buddha

Question 9

Sources of revenue and upkeep of monasteries
–

Answer 9

™ One-off donations to the Three Jewels (stūpas and shrines, standing for the Buddha), by monks and laity.
™ Foundations of monasteries/stūpa, by a rich donor, the who keeps strong rights on his gift and is called its “patron” or “owner” (vihārasvāmin).
™ Inherited goods from monks’ family and deceased monks.
™ Endowments of lands (along with villages and labour-force), especially by
rulers.
™ Interests derived from money permanent endowments (akṣayanīvī), lent on interest directly from the monastery or through a guild.

Question 10

“Managing monks” (cf. Silk 2008)
–

Answer 10

No unified administrative structure. Key roles included:
™Community’s seniormost person (saṅghasthavira) ™Deputy (second seniormost person)
™Keeper of the monastery (vihārapāla) ™Superintendant of constructions (navakarmika) ™Specialised temporary duties (titles in –vārika/-cāraka)

Question 11

Lay involvement monasteries

Answer 11

Included:
™ Monastery owner (vihārasvāmin)
™ Unfree laborers (dāsa/dāsi, ārāmika) ™ Legalisers (P. kappiyakāraka)