Can monks read non-Buddhist books?

[Tex]

I would assume that fiction would fall under "entertainment" (please correct if I'm mistaken), but what about non-fiction, like a book about the neurology of the brain or a psychology or history book? Basically, do monks study anything outside of Buddhist scriptures, commentaries, etc?

[clw_uk]

A number of monks have had phd's so i assume so

[appicchato]

Sure...

[retrofuturist]

Greetings bhante,

To rephrase the original question then, is there anything you aren't allowed to read, or anything that you could read but wouldn't be viewed favourably by others?

Metta,
Retro.

[appicchato]

Hi Paul,

I'm not aware of any outright banned reading material, if such an animal exists...with reference to material viewed unfavorably by others, I think it would depend on where you are...for instance a monk reading a comic book in the Caucasian world (America, Australia, Europe) would probably raise an eyebrow or two, but not here in Thailand...I'm trying to think of another example but unable to come up with one at the moment..maybe you've got one or two?...and I could comment...

Be well...

[retrofuturist]

Greetings bhante,

I'm trying to think of another example but unable to come up with one at the moment..maybe you've got one or two?...and I could comment...

I assume for example that Playboy would be a no-no!

Metta,
Paul.

[Demarous]

[appicchato]

I assume for example that Playboy would be a no-no!

I think you could safely say that...

[Ben]

Hi Bhante
What about novels that are read for recreation, such as 'Pride and Prejudice', or crime/thrillers?
My impression was that novels would constitute a form of entertainment that is prohibited by the Vinaya.
But then, I could be completely wrong.
Metta

Ben

[appicchato]

My impression was that novels would constitute a form of entertainment that is prohibited by the Vinaya.

Hi Ben,

I wouldn't disagree with you...although prohibited is pretty strong (for me)...unskilfull maybe...I've always been a non-fiction kinda guy myself so for the most part I read to be informed...not necessarily entertained...even before ordaining...

Please take my view with a grain of salt...although Caucasian (American) I've been in Thailand for more than thirty years, and in that time have not really mixed with other Caucasians that much, so can't really comment on it from that perspective...Thai people, in general, do not read, period...adults might catch the newspaper and teenagers get stuck in comics but that's the extent of reading for them...again, generally speaking...

I've read that the Dalai Lama has a pretty broad range of reading under his belt, not all Buddhist oriented...same for Ajahn Brahm, and Thanissaro Bikkhu...to name just a few...

Funny, I don't feel like I've really said anything here...I guess we just have to use our own good judgement (and try to be as skillful as possible) on the issue...

[Peter]

I assume for example that Playboy would be a no-no!

"I only read it for the articles!"

[genkaku]

I don't know the exact prescriptions or proscriptions monks and nuns embrace, but a couple of things occur to me:

1. Monks and nuns join whatever order they choose not because they are somehow immune from or want to be inoculated against the greed, anger and ignorance anyone might enjoy, but because they see it as an effective means of addressing that greed, anger and ignorance.

2. Entering a monastic frame of reference is not like applying a filter on your computer in order to assure your kid won't see porn. Robes and rituals don't confer immunity. If, in fact, a monastic life could somehow hold greed, anger and ignorance at bay, what usefulness would a monastic life confer. Wouldn't this just be a scaredy-cat sort of existence, a clinging to outward appearances while the heart went begging?

3. Greed, anger and ignorance are not just some philosophical or religious folderol. They are the way of the world. They are my way. Likewise monks and nuns are not plaster saints. They may be worthy of our gratitude, but there is a difference between offering our gratitude and creating stiff-necked ninnies who are gooder than good. What is anyone's purpose in spiritual life? Isn't it, more or less, to move freely and peaceably and with some understanding in a world blessed with endless greed, anger and ignorance? And isn't it to examine -- not just excoriate or hold at bay or name from some exalted place -- the way things actually are? To move freely and without fear ... isn't that about what any sane man or woman might hope for?

Read? Unless someone is illiterate, of course they can read...and read anything they choose. Naughty or nice is not what lies between the covers of a book, it is just what lies in this mind.

As I say, I know nothing of the monastic framework and stand ready to accept correction from appicchato or any other person with experience.

But obviously I decided to blow off some steam in the meantime.

[appicchato]

Naughty or nice is not what lies between the covers of a book, it is just what lies in this mind.

[retrofuturist]

Greetings,

Whilst I agree with what is quoted in the above post, I think it's also important to remember that the Buddha taught sense restraint for those whose minds are not yet fully freed of the taints.

By way of example...

SN 35.127: Bharadvaja Sutta
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka ... .than.html

Metta,
Retro.

[Guy]

Ajahn Brahm says that he reads the comics in the newspaper sometimes.