Monks and Family

A discussion on all aspects of Theravāda Buddhism
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Ceisiwr
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Monks and Family

Post by Ceisiwr »

I have been thinking about ordaining (in the Forest Tradition) but one thing that holds me back is a thought that i might not see my family again ( i always thought this is what happens), is this what happens or is one allowed to visit family (or visa versa) i have heard some stories of monks going home to visit their families


Any info would be great, thanks in advance


:anjali:
“Knowing that this body is just like foam,
understanding it has the nature of a mirage,
cutting off Māra’s flower-tipped arrows,
one should go beyond the King of Death’s sight.”
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Cittasanto
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Re: Monks and Family

Post by Cittasanto »

I have heard stories straight from the monks mouth about his parents and brother visiting him at the monestary, and him going to visit his family, and a story from a former monk who knows a monk (who is quite famous) who visited his parents at christmas
so I think that it is ok but I do think there is a length of time where you can't 2 years I have heard but that may of been Vajrayana and not specifically theravada.
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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.
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Ceisiwr
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Re: Monks and Family

Post by Ceisiwr »

Thanks for that Manapa

Ive heard some stories like this as well, i imagine there is some sort of "probation" period so to speak, i wonder if the Vinaya has any rules about it
“Knowing that this body is just like foam,
understanding it has the nature of a mirage,
cutting off Māra’s flower-tipped arrows,
one should go beyond the King of Death’s sight.”
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retrofuturist
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Re: Monks and Family

Post by retrofuturist »

Greetings Craig,

This is a good topic. I hope you don't mind if I move it from the Lounge to one of our Theravada forums.

Metta,
Retro. :)
"Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
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Ceisiwr
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Re: Monks and Family

Post by Ceisiwr »

No not at all


:anjali:
“Knowing that this body is just like foam,
understanding it has the nature of a mirage,
cutting off Māra’s flower-tipped arrows,
one should go beyond the King of Death’s sight.”
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Dhammanando
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Re: Monks and Family

Post by Dhammanando »

Hi Craig,
clw_uk wrote:I have been thinking about ordaining (in the Forest Tradition) but one thing that holds me back is a thought that i might not see my family again ( i always thought this is what happens), is this what happens
No, we're not the Moonies. :smile:
or is one allowed to visit family (or visa versa) i have heard some stories of monks going home to visit their families
Yes, though since this is a matter that is not covered in the Vinaya, in practice the frequency and length of visits will vary according to the in-house rules of a particular community or the views of a particular abbot.

Best wishes,
Dhammanando Bhikkhu
Yena yena hi maññanti,
tato taṃ hoti aññathā.


In whatever way they conceive it,
It turns out otherwise.
(Sn. 588)
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Ceisiwr
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Re: Monks and Family

Post by Ceisiwr »

Bhante Dhammanando

Thanks for clearing that up for me :smile:


:anjali:
“Knowing that this body is just like foam,
understanding it has the nature of a mirage,
cutting off Māra’s flower-tipped arrows,
one should go beyond the King of Death’s sight.”
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