Theos-Talk Archives (May 1999ar Message tt00050)

> In a message dated 5/7/99 2:25:04 AM, Lucio wrote:
>
> <<I agree with you entirely I have one coment to make
> about buddism [and monks]. I do not know what brach you bellong to
> but the non involvement with life in the daily chores of producing food
> they sit back and enjoy the charity bowls. of the workers. they being poor
> themselves.>>

It is the age old tradition in India that the monks and poor people are fed by
everyone. In the India, it is the tradition to first give some food to a monk or a
poor person who "begs". Traditionally it is done before one takes his/her own
lunch or dinner. Again when one becomes a monk or sanyasi, he/she irrevocably
gives up everything and is willing to starve if no one feeds. Also it is not
considered any demeaning to beg. Moreover, at times of great moments when grave
decisions are taken, it is not unusual for the rulers and modern day politicians
to seek counsel from the monks. The monks are the only ones who are in a position
to give an unbiased counsel in the best interests of everyone.
I would also point out that all the greatest religious  reformers that the East
has produced are sanyasis or monks.

It is the typical western thinking to look upon them as beneficiaries who do not
work.

mkr



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