A discussion on all aspects of Theravāda Buddhism
by clw_uk » Fri Apr 10, 2009 12:52 pm
Greetings
Just a quick question really
Why is it some monks have their name as "Buddhadasa Bhikkhu" with the Bhikkhu at the end, but others like "Bhikkhu Bodhi" have it at the begining?
Is their any reason for this or is it just they way it gets written and spoken?
Metta
not worrying about
the past and the future,
giving rise to the present moment,
becoming established in this place of full perfection.”
Ajahn Liem
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clw_uk
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by David N. Snyder » Fri Apr 10, 2009 4:51 pm
clw_uk wrote:Just a quick question really
Why is it some monks have their name as "Buddhadasa Bhikkhu" with the Bhikkhu at the end, but others like "Bhikkhu Bodhi" have it at the begining?
Is their any reason for this or is it just they way it gets written and spoken?
Good question. I imagine it is just cultural or personal preference of the bhikkhu.
Another similar question might be why do some use the title 'bhikkhu' and others 'bhante.' Of course, both apply as 'bhante' means 'Venerable.' For example, all of the monks here tend to use the 'bhikkhu' title when signing their names, but not 'bhante.'
I imagine it is their humbleness to which we can respond by using the bhante term back or both.
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by Individual » Fri Apr 10, 2009 5:23 pm
clw_uk wrote:Greetings
Just a quick question really
Why is it some monks have their name as "Buddhadasa Bhikkhu" with the Bhikkhu at the end, but others like "Bhikkhu Bodhi" have it at the begining?
Is their any reason for this or is it just they way it gets written and spoken?
Metta
Some Asian language naming conventions tend to be the reverse of western naming conventions, so family name comes first and any titles go at the end. Monks sometimes use one or the other naming convention, but either works.
This was asked a while ago and my above response was originally just a guess, but Ven. Dhammanando confirmed it.
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by retrofuturist » Sat Apr 11, 2009 3:35 am
Greetings,
Someone else this question elsewhere.
I think the Sri Lankan method is to put Bhikkhu first, and the Thai method is to put Bhikkhu last.
Metta,
Retro.

If you have asked me of the origination of unease, then I shall explain it to you in accordance with my understanding:
Whatever various forms of unease there are in the world, They originate founded in encumbering accumulation. (Pārāyanavagga)'We should not congratulate someone on the success of their misdeeds, but on the contrary should endeavour to advise him or her to lead a more skilful and wholesome life. If such advice is ignored then we can only give up and let go' - Phra PanyapatipoDharma Wheel (Mahayana / Vajrayana forum)
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by SeerObserver » Sat Apr 11, 2009 5:19 am
retrofuturist wrote:Greetings,
Someone else this question elsewhere.
I think the Sri Lankan method is to put Bhikkhu first, and the Thai method is to put Bhikkhu last.
Metta,
Retro.

Which one is right?
JK (as in just kidding, not my initials).
Last edited by
SeerObserver on Sat Apr 11, 2009 9:00 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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SeerObserver
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by David N. Snyder » Sat Apr 11, 2009 2:44 pm
SeerObserver wrote:Which one is right?
The Sri Lankan way.
Just kidding, does there have to be a right way?

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by Peter » Sat Apr 11, 2009 3:00 pm
As far as I know, there is no "right".
- Peter
Be heedful and you will accomplish your goal.
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by Tex » Fri Apr 24, 2009 6:55 pm
Here's the other thread, Ven Dhammanando's response was:
Just regional conventions. 'Bhikkhu' before the name is the norm in Sri Lanka and Burma; 'bhikkhu' after the name is the norm in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. That's assuming the word bhikkhu is used at all, which isn't always the case; in Asia one more often finds 'thera' or some regional title such as 'chao khun' or 'sayadaw' used instead.
viewtopic.php?f=13&t=762
"The serene and peaceful mind is the true epitome of human achievement."-- Ajahn Chah, Living Dhamma
"To reach beyond fear and danger we must sharpen and widen our vision. We have to pierce through the deceptions that lull us into a comfortable complacency, to take a straight look down into the depths of our existence, without turning away uneasily or running after distractions." -- Bhikkhu Bodhi
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Tex
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by clw_uk » Fri Apr 24, 2009 7:12 pm
Thanks Tex

not worrying about
the past and the future,
giving rise to the present moment,
becoming established in this place of full perfection.”
Ajahn Liem
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clw_uk
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