Monastic Life According to Buddhist Teachings: How Many Monks Can Stay in a Temple?

Have you ever wondered how many monks can stay in a single temple according to the Buddha's teachings? While the concept of a 'temple' is often confused with a 'monastery,' these are actually different types of religious buildings. In this article, we will explore the differences between a monastery and a temple, as well as the significance of monastic life within the Buddhist tradition.

Monasteries vs. Temples

It's crucial to understand the distinction between monasteries and temples in the context of Buddhist practice. Monasteries are specifically designed for the solitary living of monks and are places of retreat for religious practice. Temples, on the other hand, are places of worship where the lay community gathers to offer rituals, prayers, and offerings.

Monasteries: The Core of Buddhist Monasticism

Monasteries are central to Buddhist monasticism. They serve as retreats for monks, providing them with a place of solitude and contemplation. According to the Buddha's teachings, the monastic community plays a vital role in preserving and spreading the dharma (teachings). Monastic life is characterized by strict adherence to monastic rules (vinaya) and the practice of meditation and spiritual development.

Temples: Places of Lay Community and Worship

Temples, on the other hand, are primarily designed for public worship and religious rituals. They serve as the focal point for the lay community's religious activities and are not typically used for the residence of monks. While monks can and do occasionally visit temples, the temple itself is not their primary home.

Historical Context: The Mongolian Monastery Miracle

Despite the clear distinction between monasteries and temples, there is a fascinating historical account that challenges the norm. One such remarkable example occurred in Mongolia, where a single monastery had over 10, 000 monks under its roof. This extraordinary instance highlighted the exceptional nature of the accommodation and aimed to support a vast monastic community.

Context: The Mongolian monastery in question was part of a larger monastic complex. These complexes often served not only as residential areas for monks but also as educational institutions, spiritual centers, and even administrative hubs. During the time when this monastery thrived, it was not uncommon for such complexes to house large communities of monks.

However, it's important to note that the number of monks who could stay in a temple is much smaller, typically limited to the size and structure of the temple itself. Temples were designed to facilitate the needs of the lay community, not to accommodate large numbers of monks.

Times of the Buddha: A Different Era

During the times of the Buddha, the concept of a 'temple' as we know it today did not exist. Instead, the Buddha emphasized the importance of designated places for residence during the monsoon season, known as vatthu. These were temporary shelters intended to provide protection for the monks during the rainy season, which is the period during which they traditionally remained in one place for training and meditation.

Vatthu: After their sojourn at vatthu shelters during the rainy season, monks would continue to wander and teach, following the Buddha's instructions to not settle permanently. This wandering lifestyle, known as the parivraja, exemplified the nomadic nature of the monastic community.

This wandering lifestyle was not merely a physical journey but also a spiritual practice. It emphasized the essence of detachment and the impermanence of life, allowing monks to engage in continuous spiritual growth and teaching.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while monasteries and temples serve distinct purposes in the Buddhist tradition, it is important to recognize that the number of monks that can stay in a temple is much smaller compared to a monastery. The Mongolian monastery is an exceptional case that does not represent the typical structure of Buddhist monastic life.

The teachings of the Buddha emphasize the importance of a wandering lifestyle as a means to spiritual development and detachment. This historical context helps us understand the significance of monastic life and the unique structures that support it.

Key Points to Remember:

Monasteries are residences for monks, while temples are places of lay community worship. During the times of the Buddha, monks wandered extensively during the rainy season, staying in temporary shelters. The Mongolian monastery is an exceptional case that highlights the remarkable capacity of monastic complexes rather than the usual constraints of temple spaces.