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Hardship
Hello
I have been studying Buddhism for several months now and have found that everything I have read so far, makes so much sense.
I am puzzled however, as to why Buddhist Monks seem to put themselves through so much hardship. For example, by sitting on uncomfortable chairs or sleeping only on hard beds.
This is probably different according to the tradition followed but so far I cannot find a reason why this seeming hardship has to be endured.
I did consider that it may be something to do with dispelling negative karma. For example, if Monks endure unnecessary suffering then perhaps they are rewarded with good karma but this seems wrong because it is "staged" so to speak.
I would be grateful if someone could explain why Buddhist Monks seem to put themselves through undue suffering.
Thank you,
Wendy
I have been studying Buddhism for several months now and have found that everything I have read so far, makes so much sense.
I am puzzled however, as to why Buddhist Monks seem to put themselves through so much hardship. For example, by sitting on uncomfortable chairs or sleeping only on hard beds.
This is probably different according to the tradition followed but so far I cannot find a reason why this seeming hardship has to be endured.
I did consider that it may be something to do with dispelling negative karma. For example, if Monks endure unnecessary suffering then perhaps they are rewarded with good karma but this seems wrong because it is "staged" so to speak.
I would be grateful if someone could explain why Buddhist Monks seem to put themselves through undue suffering.
Thank you,
Wendy
0
Comments
edit: just to further emphasize my point, this doesn't mean you should go whip yourself or something
I really don't think there is anything wrong with enjoying some simple comforts in life like a nice cushioned chair or soft bed if this is available. I also don't feel that there is a need to weaken dependence on physical pleasure unless you are preparing for an impending hardship. Also, if physical hardship is a tool to achieve spiritual perfection does that mean that those who do not practice physical hardship will not achieve spiritual perfection?
EDIT: Lay people are not required to exercise the same level of renunciation as monks, so we are free to enjoy the comforts and pleasures (responsibly), that is not constantly longing for more and clinging to that we already enjoy.
You are right that many lay people do set themselves up for suffering and in fact of course living in samsara is a lifetime of suffering. However, having read Buddhism, like the teachings and want to practice Buddhism in my every day life, I feel that maybe I cannot unless I ditch my lovely home comforts!
I have the greatest respect for Monks, I don't think, however devoted, that I could ever exercise the same or similar level of renunciation.
I just needed to try and understand the reasons behind this.
Thanks.
it is possible to enjoy all of life's little comforts and still not crave them, but it's very difficult. you can still enjoy physical comfort and as long as you are utterly free from craving spiritual perfection could be possible. but this would take an incredible mind. this is why some deprivation of physical comfort is useful.
as for some ditching of comforts, try to take small steps. the more you live without them the easier it is not to want them. it's literally an issue of addiction, dopamine leads us to eat certain foods, high in fat and salt, leads us to enjoy things like warmth etc. the more we are without those things the less dopamine is released in our brains. of course you will never end all dopamine addiction, nor do you need to. the less you have the easier it is to not crave.
However, in practising Buddhism, I have found it easier to accept less luxuries and have the attitude of being very grateful. I went to a Buddhist Retreat for the new year and the accommodation, food and heating was not like that I enjoy at home but yet I was able to accept the conditions happily and gratefully.
So I am learning as I go along.
Thank you for your comments.
Anyway, just wondered what Monks do with their possessions when they join a monastery. Do they have to give them up or donate them to charity?
If they have to give them up so they can practice training the mind to not be attached to things that give us comfort and pleasure then surely they would not be permitted to accept gifts of comfortable chairs?
My understanding is that these basic Buddhist practices are small things that really just represent the big things.
To put it in another way: these are basic disciplines that represent broader, more significant, universal disciplines.
All ships, big and small, need to sail in the same direction. Does that make sense?
Hope that helps.