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Significance of Monks' Names

JoshuaJoshua Veteran
edited January 2011 in Buddhism Basics
Hey,
I thought I'd create a thread to ask for the definition or significance of either recurring or venerated names that I have seen and will see from time to time.

For starters, in the Thai Forest tradition I must have seen Ajaan a million times--is this Thai for bhikkhu or something? Also, I've seen Thanissaro twice at least. Can anybody help me?

Thanks.

Comments

  • DakiniDakini Veteran
    Good question, Pooh. Does anyone know why most Tibetan monks are named Tenzin?
  • DhammaDhatuDhammaDhatu Veteran
    edited January 2011
    'Ajahn' is Thai for 'teacher'. This title is also used for a lay school teacher. Generally, a bhikkhu is called 'Ajahn' when he assumes a teaching role, generally after ten years.

    The other name is Pali. It means something. But I do not know what 'Thanissaro' means.

    Some Ajahns are:

    'Sumedho' = 'good or subtle wisdom'
    'Sujato' = 'good birth'
    'Brahm' = 'Holy' (or 'God')
    'Amaro' = 'deathless'
    'Santikaro' = 'peace maker'

    Some Ajahns have a Thai name, eg. 'Ajahn Chah'. His Pali name was 'Bodhiñāna', which means 'enlightenment knowledge'

    I assume the name given is indicative of the personal quality

    For example, I once received a Tibetan name. I felt the names given to those who did the ceremony with me were somehow indicative of their needs or disposition

    :)
  • mugzymugzy Veteran
    Many monks are given dharma names related to their lineage or gurus, or simply those of past enlightened masters or positive qualities. Tenzin means "protector of dharma" or "upholder of teachings."

    Personally I've always wanted to have a dharma name but have not be given one nor have I chosen one for myself. I don't know if one ever chooses the name or if it's always given by a teacher.
  • FenrirFenrir
    edited January 2011
    In the Tibetan Schools, when you go for refugue you are given a dharma name. Similarly when one becomes a novice a name is given and then another (new one) on full ordination or so I believe.

    In the Karma Kagyu many people's dharma names often start with Karma, indicating the lineage to which they belong

    Examples include;

    Karma Lobsang (Fine mind)
    Karma Chogyal (King of the Dharma)
    Karma Rinchen (Precious)
  • JoshuaJoshua Veteran
    Hm, I think for now I'm most inclined to take refuge at a Theravadin center, would I be given a name there?
  • federicafederica Seeker of the clear blue sky... Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt Moderator
    When Monks and you deem you ready.
    I asked when I took refuge officially, in 2008, whether I would receive a Dhamma name.
    They replied of course, it would be no problem, but that carrying a dhamma name is in and of itself a responsibility. A mutually agreed moment of readiness would become evident.
  • zenffzenff Veteran
    As far as I know in all traditions dharma names are given, also in Therevada.
    I received one Zen-name and one Therevada-name.
    The teacher chooses the name.
  • fabianfredfabianfred
    Theravada only name monks (in Thailand).
    Mine is Piyadhammo...meaning lover and teacher of the Dhamma.
  • JoshuaJoshua Veteran
    Do most Theravadin monasteries have a guy or several adept at Pali?
  • fabianfredfabianfred
    most have some monks who have studied Pali...especially the Abbot.
  • revkusalarevkusala
    Theravada aspirants DO receive a dhamma name when taking the refuges. Monks also
    at different stages of ordination. These names usually are given by the teacher
    or preceptor reflecting some quality they see in you, or one which you should aspire to, as a monk or layperson. Generally, we respectfully address our seniors
    with "Bhante", and so forth from respect and love. One never should be eager to obtain a "title"
  • chanrattchanratt Veteran
    Theravada aspirants DO receive a dhamma name when taking the refuges. Monks also
    at different stages of ordination. These names usually are given by the teacher
    or preceptor reflecting some quality they see in you, or one which you should aspire to, as a monk or layperson. Generally, we respectfully address our seniors
    with "Bhante", and so forth from respect and love. One never should be eager to obtain a "title"
    you aren't 'the' rev kusala from Urban Dharma?

  • revkusalarevkusala
    no, different one :)
  • [DeletedUser][DeletedUser]
    Dharma names is having the onomatological notion of inherent suchness.
  • nanadhajananadhaja Veteran
    Theravada aspirants DO receive a dhamma name when taking the refuges. Monks also
    at different stages of ordination. These names usually are given by the teacher
    or preceptor reflecting some quality they see in you, or one which you should aspire to, as a monk or layperson. Generally, we respectfully address our seniors
    with "Bhante", and so forth from respect and love. One never should be eager to obtain a "title"
    This may be correct but fabianfred said that this does not happen in Thailand.
    Now it may be possible that there are some temples that do give dhamma names to precepters,but none that I know of personally.
    I do not give dhamma names to people who come to me to take refuge and nor do any other monks or abbots that I know.
    With metta,
    Phra Greg
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