Sōni—Monks and Nuns

For thousands of years a group of individuals—both male and female—have devoted their lives to embodying the Buddha Dharma. These individuals are called monks (sōryo, 僧侶 or biku, 比丘) and nuns (nisō, 尼僧 or bikuni, 比丘尼) and their calling was more than simply living a life according to a set of rules. The Buddha Dharma means nothing if it is not experienced, if it is not lived. Monks and nuns literally give life to the teachings of the Buddha. Naturally, the Sangha is not limited to these individuals because a great number of humans, past and present, continue to experience the Buddha Dharma but the special devotion and commitment of religious professionals is absolutely essential for the health and stability of the Buddha Dharma. All existence preaches the truth of the Buddhist teachings. In this way, all beings are driven toward enlightenment in the same way the Buddha himself was—through the experience of being alive. However, who is to articulate this truth so that all sentient beings may experience the joys of a life informed by Buddhism and the purity of the Dharma? History tells us that individuals with a more complete devotion have not only ensured that Enlightenment in Nirvana (nehan, 涅槃) is a possibility for all sentient beings but they have also enriched the art, philosophy and ritual traditions by which Buddhism pierces the darkness and opens the way to attainment. More often than not, these individuals are Buddhist monastics—i.e. monks and nuns.

Traditional Monasticism

Without question, traditional monasticism has been as extremely successful model for perpetuating the Buddhist Dharma and continues to be a model par excellence in many traditionally Buddhist cultures throughout Asia. Empowered by the contributions (fuse, 布施) of the Sangha, Buddhist monastics lived lives characterized by austerity and adherence to the monastic code or vinaya (kairitsu, 戒律). The monastery was—and remains so in many traditionally Buddhist countries—a location where the highest religious values were refined and perfected and, then, broadcast to the community such that the entire Sangha could enjoy their purity and richness. These are the values, rituals, practices, art and philosophy inherited by Buddhists today.

Monasticism in the Modern World and Institutions

Modern societies, especially since the 1960s, have become inarguably more hostile to and less trusting of institutions of all kinds—governments, corporations and, of course, religious institutions. Consequently, religious institutions and life-styles have been called into question both publicly and privately. In other words, individuals are less willing to trust or at least less likely to admit that they trust institutions. Establishing this kind of vigilance is an important and potentially positive asset for society. Individuals should press and mold institutions into beneficial centers that meet our needs and expectations. Institutions should be community centers—places where our highest values are refined and our deepest ambitions realized. This is one of the reasons that I created Making Monks—a new center for the Sangha and place to encourage the growth and development of our unique community of active and engaged members. Institutions should not simply be thrown out because we would throw out a great portion of what we have earned with centuries of diligence. Rather, institutions should be reformed to give better access and more fully meet our needs. Making Monks is part of this new step into the future of the Sangha. We will be a community that can meet here from anyplace in the world to cultivate the highest of human values.

Specialization

Our world has always been one of constant and unrelenting change. This is one of the most profound truths of the Buddhist Dharma and a reality we experience each and everyday. Also, in addition, life in modern society is increasing characterized by specialization. Few individuals in society have the time or resources to master more than one field—namely, the field they chose as their profession. However, specialists are important and make massive contributions in very field. This is true for scientists who continue to astound us with new breakthroughs and it is also obvious for craftsmen that ensure the electricity and plumbing of our homes and offices work smoothly. Furthermore, just as scientists are responsible for those breakthroughs, they are also responsible for providing us with easy-to-use interfaces that allow each of us to enjoy the computers and the internet. Similarly, plumbers and electricians give us faucets and switches so that we may access freely the systems that their hard work put into place for us. Finally, this is true of the Buddhist Dharma. Had the Buddha not invested the long years discovering the Dharma and, subsequently, making it available to us all, the human race would have remained in darkness and delusion. The Buddhist values that continue to have a growing influence on Western society—inspiring ecological movements, philosophical developments, psychological health and social awareness—are largely the work of Buddhists professionals that had a singular devotion to the teachings of the Buddha. Just like scientists that give us computer keyboards and electricians that give us switches, these rare and special Buddhists give us the religious ideas and texts, meditation techniques and artwork that allow us to enjoy easily the fruits of their labor. Without them, how could anyone experience Buddhism?

It is our responsibility to support those brave individuals whose very lives give meaning to ours.

Thank you again for your gracious support (fuse, 布施) and your compassion (jihi, 慈悲).

Gasshō (合掌)

Jōji (盛慈)