Monks advising lay people that the only option for them is to become a monk?

[SarathW]

Monks advising laypeople that the only option for them is to become a monk?
Sri Lankan monk venerable Kirulapana Dhammajeeva, advises lay, people, that the only option for them is to become a monk.
Is this what Buddha taught?

The following video is in the Sinhalese language and the link is provided only for the purpose of reference.

[Sam Vara]

Do you mean that he advises some specific lay people with particular aspirations that they ought to become monks? Or does he say that all lay people should do so?

The former seems quite reasonable, the latter is ridiculous. For example, if a person were to have a good understanding of the Dhamma and of monasticism, were keen to make progress and had no ties to worldly life, then the advice might be well meant.

[BrokenBones]

If we all ordained they'd be no one to feed us.

I visited his Facebook account and looked at the comment/reviews written in English... there seems to be a lot of intolerance between different Buddhist groups in Sri Lanka. They either imply that he is the best thing since sliced bread or that he's the son of the devil very strange... makes dhammawheel seem very tame.

[SarathW]

Do you mean that he advises some specific lay people with particular aspirations that they ought to become monks? Or does he say that all lay people should do so?

The former seems quite reasonable, the latter is ridiculous. For example, if a person were to have a good understanding of the Dhamma and of monasticism, were keen to make progress and had no ties to worldly life, then the advice might be well meant.

Basically, he says that the world is Dukkha and instructs a large group of lay people that immediately go and become a monk.

[SarathW]

If we all ordained they'd be no one to feed us.

I visited his Facebook account and looked at the comment/reviews written in English... there seems to be a lot of intolerance between different Buddhist groups in Sri Lanka. They either imply that he is the best thing since sliced bread or that he's the son of the devil very strange... makes dhammawheel seem very tame.

I made that comment on Youtube and someone deleted it.
Many Sri Lankans do not have any idea about Buddhism.
Generally, this monk gives good Dhamma talks. However, he also has this extremist views too.

[Sam Vara]

Do you mean that he advises some specific lay people with particular aspirations that they ought to become monks? Or does he say that all lay people should do so?

The former seems quite reasonable, the latter is ridiculous. For example, if a person were to have a good understanding of the Dhamma and of monasticism, were keen to make progress and had no ties to worldly life, then the advice might be well meant.

Basically, he says that the world is Dukkha and instructs a large group of lay people that immediately go and become a monk.

I agree with BrokenBones - not everyone is free from responsibilities, nor can we be.

And I would have thought that "A monk told me to do it!" is a poor start to one's monastic path.

[Alino]

If we consider that Right Intetion have 'Renounciation' as one of aspects,
If we consider that 'Renounciation' is fulfilled by 8 precepts,
If we consider that 8 precepts is a monk-like livelihood,

So yes - the only option lay people have is to practice Renounciation as a part of N8P.

As Buddha said :

It’s totally possible that a mendicant who doesn’t enjoy company and groups, who doesn’t love them and like to enjoy them, should take pleasure in being alone in seclusion.
‘So vata, bhikkhave, bhikkhu na saṅgaṇikārāmo na saṅgaṇikarato na saṅgaṇikārāmataṁ anuyutto, na gaṇārāmo na gaṇarato na gaṇārāmataṁ anuyutto, eko paviveke abhiramissatī’ti ṭhānametaṁ vijjati.

For someone who takes pleasure in being alone in seclusion, it’s possible to learn the patterns of the mind.
‘Eko paviveke abhiramanto cittassa nimittaṁ gahessatī’ti ṭhānametaṁ vijjati.

For someone who learns the patterns of the mind, it’s possible to fulfill right view.
‘Cittassa nimittaṁ gaṇhanto sammādiṭṭhiṁ paripūressatī’ti ṭhānametaṁ vijjati.

Having fulfilled right view, it’s possible to fulfill right immersion.
‘Sammādiṭṭhiṁ paripūretvā sammāsamādhiṁ paripūressatī’ti ṭhānametaṁ vijjati.

Having fulfilled right immersion, it’s possible to give up the fetters.
‘Sammāsamādhiṁ paripūretvā saṁyojanāni pajahissatī’ti ṭhānametaṁ vijjati.

Having given up the fetters, it’s possible to realize extinguishment.”
‘Saṁyojanāni pahāya nibbānaṁ sacchikarissatī’ti ṭhānametaṁ vijjatī”ti.

https://suttacentral.net/an6.68/en/suja ... ript=latin

[StrivingforMonkhood]

Monasticism and renunciation is the only way to reach full enlightenment. So, he's 100% right on that front. BUT...as we already know, the vast majority of people -- even if they really wanted to -- , can't just become a monk or nun on a whim, as they have worldly duties and responsibilities that cannot be morally given up; in other words, renouncing duties you're currently in would be grossly against Buddhist teachings (parenting, family ties, working to make money, commitments, running charities, etc.).

It is a waiting game, and when the time is right, then go for it, if and only if you're well-prepared. But, yes, it's the only way to achieve pure enlightenment. So, again, this dear monk is not wrong on this front.

Peace and enlightenment.

[mariahcarey]

We require a teacher and mentor for any endeavor we attempt. This is particularly true when it comes to our spiritual path, where a knowledgeable instructor can provide us the advice we need to succeed in our practice. When we are prepared to make the commitment necessary for the monastic vows of ordination, our teacher will know how to assist lay the groundwork for the monastic life. To be ordained, you must have a teacher who can grant you permission.



wordle