marc108 wrote:Hey Citta,
I'm sorry if you felt singled out. I intentionally didnt quote you to avoid that... I cherry picked what you said because I felt it best represented the overall sentiment. I did read what you said, and I understand your point of view.
singled out? no, but I did think you were replying to my post there.
anyway.
I think you should watch that video. Ajahn Brahm states clearly that there aren't enough buildings for all the women who wish to become Bhikkhunis. I think when you say things like 'greater comfort than they should expect', again this is just reflecting your opinions and not necessarily what is best for Bhikkhu/ni's. Ajahn Brahms monastery is quite simple from my understanding, I seriously doubt he is trying to make a lavish multi-million dollar place. He's managed to create probably the largest and most thriving dual monastic-lay Sangha in the western world as well as train countless monks... I dont think we should all be so presumptuous as to assume we know more about what is conducive to the holy life than Ajahn Brahm.
when I say greater comfort than they should expect I am refering to the minimum standard they are instructed to expect and their current situation. the cost of multi-million dollar that is from their own site and not all of it is for residence and the vast majority of development isn't residence, so sorry but I think you should look at the site
http://www.dhammasara.org.au/sala-appeal.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I wonder if the Buddha, Ajahn Mun, Ajahn Chah, Ajahn Maha-boowa or Pa Auk Sayadaw would agree that this plan is neccessary and a few huts don't cut it? how did they arrange their dwelling places in the forest?
I think Ajahn Brahms intent is to FULLY reestablish the Bhikkhuni order and this MUST include a thriving monastery with close western lay connection and a somewhat modern facility. A bunch of huts in the woods doesn't really cut it and isn't going to keep them fed and supported for the next thousand years...
The Bhikkhuni order has been re-established and had been before Ajahn Brahm. but nice requisites does not make it established or last longer.
But the motivation (reason why) is not a mitigating factor for the intent to sell himself and the rules and teachings relevant (some of which I have quoted previously) are still relevant to him as a monk.
whether or not the facitities are needed, funds should be obtained properly without turning away from the life they chose to live. you can say this is my opinion, but this opinion is based on the texts (including in part the vinaya) as I understand them. and have shared some of the relevant passages so you and others can decide for yourself and correct it based on what I am basing it on, so any failure to demonstrate is not mine. But where is your liking of this based? i see only a liking for laughter (hence the derogitory name calling of dour) or of wanting to support the nuns. but that doesn't make Ajahn Brahms selling of himself appropriate.
If the support here is representative of the wider community of lay followers I wonder why they need such intervention.
Blog, Suttas, Aj Chah, Facebook.
He who knows only his own side of the case knows little of that. His reasons may be good, and no one may have been able to refute them.
But if he is equally unable to refute the reasons on the opposite side, if he does not so much as know what they are, he has no ground for preferring either opinion …
...
He must be able to hear them from persons who actually believe them … he must know them in their most plausible and persuasive form.
John Stuart Mill