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Buddhism - Buddhism is one of the world's oldest religions. Dating back around 2,500 years, it was developed by Siddhartha Gautama, who became known as the Buddha.

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The Four Noble Truths - The whole philosophy is based on the idea that humans are in a cycle of suffering, which is caused by desire. The only way to stop this and achieve enlightenment (nirvana) is to cease all desire.

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Buddhist monks - These devoted practitioners spend their lives following the Buddha’s teachings and trying to achieve enlightenment.

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Rules - As with other religions, these men have to follow secular monastic rules. However, some of the rules have changed over time.

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Different branches - There are two main different traditions of Buddhism: the Mahayana and Theravada.

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Mahayana - This tradition is the most popular in terms of monasticism. Examples include Zen Buddhism and Tibetan Buddhism, of which Dalai Lama is the leader.

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Tibetans really liked to be monks -

Before the Chinese invasion, it is estimated that one in six men in Tibet were monks.

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Text -

Vinaya is the division of the Buddhist canon that contains the rules monks have to follow.

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Precepts -

The rules are based on precepts that vary in application, depending on the branch of Buddhism you follow and your status.

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Rule book -

The rule book per se for monks and nuns is called Pratimokṣa (or the Pātimokkha in the Pāli language). Now, let’s look at some of the rules they must follow.

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Monks must not hurt or kill living creatures -

All life is sacred, including animals and plants. This rule is so important that violating it can get a monk cast out.

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Monks must not take that which is not given -

Buddhist monks can only take what is given to them by other people. They only own their clothes, a razor, and not much more.

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Buddhist monks -

Stealing and begging are completely out of the question. They can only accept what is given to them freely.

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Monks must abstain from physical intimacy -

Celibacy is a popular vow in many religions, and Buddhist monks also abstain from intimate relations.

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Monks must abstain from physical intimacy -

These cravings are a source of desire, and therefore of suffering. But things can get a bit more strict in some traditions: a monk shouldn’t even touch his mother out of affection.

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Monks must not speak badly of others -

Defamation, lying, and gossip are a no-no for Buddhist monks. This applies to both speaking and writing.

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Monks must not drink alcohol -

Buddhist monks abstain from alcohol, the only exception being the use of alcohol in medicines. And, even so, it depends how much it contains.

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Monks must not drink alcohol -

Alcohol and drugs lead to intoxication, and, consequently, carelessness. All of which go against the principles of Buddhism.

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Monks must not eat in the afternoon -

Monks may only eat between dawn and noon. So, no midnight snacks for them!

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Monks must not eat in the afternoon -

Yes, they’ve been doing intermittent fasting for many years. Way before it became popular in the West...

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Monks must abstain from entertainment -

Watching TV, listening to music, dancing, singing, or going to shows are earthly pleasures that might create attachment. It’s not clear, but we assume video games are also forbidden. But the enforcement of this rule varies, depending on the tradition.

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Monks must abstain from entertainment -

Some traditions do use music and chanting. Albeit, in reality, not as a form of entertainment, but of helping on their path towards enlightenment.

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Monks must not wear colognes -

Buddhist monks are not allowed to wear fragrances. We wonder if scented candles are okay?

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Monks must not wear other garments -

Nor can they wear any other clothes. And yes, that includes designer robes...

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Monks must not sleep on fancy beds or couches -

Elaborate furniture is not allowed. Monks must not use “high and large luxurious couches,” according to the Ninth Precept.

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Monks must not accept money -

While they might accept other things, such as food, they are forbidden from accepting money. But this rule has been relaxed over the years.

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Monks must not accept money -

In fact, the original rules make reference to silver and gold. For instance, there have been reports of Buddhist monasteries lending money to the community.

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No money exchange -

Buying and selling was also strictly forbidden. 

Sources: (Grunge) (Northern Kentucky University)

See also: Everything you've always wanted to know about Buddhism

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