Buddhist Monastic Life: According to the Texts of the Theravada Tradition (Paperback)

~ Mohan Wijayaratna (Author), Claude Grangier (Translator), Steven Collins (Translator, Introduction) "Buddhism first arose as a movement of "renounces..." (more)
Key Phrases: inner progress, solitary buddhas, lay followers, Rainy Season Retreat, Nissaggiya Pacittiya, Pali Vinaya (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"For anybody who is interested in the process of codification of monastic rules in the Theravada tradition, Wijayaratna's book offers extensive scriptural information..." Cistercian Studies Quarterly

"I am delighted to see this translation in print. The French version has been revised and admirably translated. For an understanding of the founding and early form of the Buddhist monastic order most people still rely on Dult's pioneering book, published in 1924, which is now quite out of date. This book completely supersedes Dult. Let us hope that this major contribution to the history of religions will now reach the audience it deserves." Richard Gombrich, Oxford University

Product Description

This book provides a vivid and detailed picture of the daily life and religious practices of Buddhist monks and nuns in the classic period of Theravada Buddhism. The author describes the way in which the Buddha's disciples institutionalized and ritualized his teachings about food, dress, money, chastity, solitude, and discipleship. This tradition represents an ideal of religious life that has been followed in India and South Asia for more than two thousand years. The introduction by Steven Collins describes Theravada Buddhist literature, discusses the issue of the historical reliability of the texts, and offers extensive suggestions for further reading. The book will be of interest to scholars and students in Asian studies, religious studies, anthropology, and history.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 216 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (November 30, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521367085
• ISBN-13: 978-0521367080
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #733,136 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Highly valuable and accessible resource, January 9, 2004

By	Algernon D'Ammassa (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book supplies something hard to find: a presentation of the daily lives and routine of the original Buddhist monks, as much as we can get, based on solid research, good translations, and a clear understanding of the Buddha's teachings. It is presented in a style that is not overburdened with technical language or jargon. Tremendously useful and pleasant to read. Here is what they wore, what they ate, how they got it, why they were instructed to travel, and how the monastic code (Vinaya) was interpreted as times changed.