1. How does one initially become a Buddhist?

Any person can be a Buddhist. One does not have to be “born” into Buddhism, nor do one’s parents have to be Buddhists. One can be of any race, country, social-economic background, gender, etc. People wishing to identify themselves as Buddhists typically participate in a ceremony known as taking refuge in the Triple Gem. This is the simple act of reciting the refuge verse three times before a monastic. The refuge verse expresses an individual’s confidence in the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha as a means to alleviating suffering and attaining enlightenment. In accepting the path of the Triple Gem, one also agrees to observe the Five Precepts or rules, which engender good conduct:

1. To refrain from killing
2. To refrain from taking what is not given
3. To refrain from sexual misconduct
4. To refrain from telling lies and
5. To refrain from taking intoxicants.

2. How do lay people address monastics?

Monastics are addressed with the term “master”, “venerable” or “reverend” followed by their Dharma name, (i.e. the special name given to each monastic upon ordination.) In Chinese the Dharma name is followed by the term “fa shih” which means “teacher (shih) of the Dharma (fa).” Chinese frequently call monastics “shih fu,” again showing respect for their revered status as teachers.

3. What does it mean to be a monastic?

A monastic lets go of ordinary life in order to be completely devoted to Buddhist practice. Becoming a Buddhist monk or nun first begins with the mind. The thought of wanting to do something positive leads to the decision to renounce, and the rituals of shaving the head, putting on robes, and receiving the precepts.

4. What is the traditional education of the monastic?

Monastics typically attend a rigorous and highly disciplined programme at a Buddhist seminary. Course of study requires two to four years to complete. The main Fo Guang College is at the Order’s headquarters in southern Taiwan (Kaohsiung), There are also other branches around the world.

5. Why do monastics shave their heads?

Monastics need to renounce all the mundane desires and longings in order to more readily achieve purity, be free from delusions, remove hindrances, and enter the way of practice. Thus, shaving the head signifies renunciation and detachment from worldly pleasures. From the traditional Buddhist viewpoint, hair represents impurity. Removing it is symbolic of getting rid of defilement. Once they shave their heads, they can easily be distinguished from those who have not joined the sangha.

6. What are the three circular marks on a monastic’s head?

During a Fo Guang monastic ordination, three pieces of burning incense are placed on a monastic’s head, thus producing permanent circular scars.

These marks represent

1. The Triple Gem the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha
2. The three vows of ridding oneself of bad habits and thoughts, cultivating good, and having the wisdom to help release others from suffering and
3. Disciple, meditation, and wisdom.

7. The style of clothing Fo Guang monastics wear?

Fo Guang reverends wear identical robes of a style common to the T’ang Dynasty period (A.D. 618 – 906). Long sleeves covering the hands are part of the traditional design. Fully ordained monastics usually wear yellow ochre-coloured robes. This earth tone hue derives from the Buddha’s directive that monastics wear clothing assembled from clean, but discarded rags. It may also be said that it represents the mud of ignorance from which all beings necessarily emerge. The grey “work suit” tunic and pants worn under the robe may also be worn separately when doing chores.

For special occasions, daily chanting, and other prescribed occasions, an additional ceremonial robe is draped over the left shoulder. Depending upon rank and occasion, the ceremonial dress may be brown draped over a black robe, orange over black, orange over brown, or vermilion over orange.

The draped robe is often sewn in a “patchwork” manner, which also harkens back to the rag origins of monastic attire. Fo Guan monastics’feet, ankle, and calves are completely covered, reflecting Master Hsing Yun’s interest in going beyond the stereotypical image of a bare-footed monk from the woods.

The special open-sided shoes worn by monastics, students of the Buddhist College, and some devotees, are called “luo han hsieh” in Chinese, meaning “shoes of an Arhat.” (An Arhat is one perfected through the teaching of a Buddha.) While items of personal adornment are taboo, reverends are permitted to wear prayer beads, wristwatches, and eyeglasses.

8. What do monastics typically do during the day?

The day usually begins by rising before dawn to chant and meditate. Meals occur three times daily and are eaten in silence. Aside from routine maintenance chores (such as cleaning, cooking, gardening, etc.), each monastic also has a particular “job” which contributes to the temple’s viability and function as a centre for preserving and passing on the Dharma. Many of these positions are similar to those found in other organisations: Events co-ordinator, secretary, computer processor, building supervisor, public relations personnel, publications editor, museum curator, community and social service workers, etc. Some monastics teach Buddhist study and meditation classes.

Of course, they also organise, plan, prepare, and officiate various Dharma functions and Buddhist ceremonies. A part of each evening is normally set aside for coursework, self-study, or lectures. The day most often closes with chanting and meditation.