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discussion of reform. Nevertheless, the monks' opinions were a revealing source of how they saw themselves.
The main reasons why the monks thought change in the sangha system was necessary were three: 1. The old system was no longer suited to modern life. That was why monkhood was no longer appealing to the younger generation. 2. The old system has been crumbling. It was necessary to redefine the monkhood more clearly. The old public monastic system (**41), with its numerous monks, long meditation and formalized life-style, was forever gone. There were simply not enough monks in any one monastery for the monastic system to work. Furthermore, not a single monk could keep all 250 precepts. Most did not even know what they were.
Some of these precepts were thought to be unsuitable to modern life. Would it not be a better policy if they were changed, to make it realistic to demand that they be kept? 3. The old system of prayer and meditation no longer met the needs of society. What was needed was to render service to society.10
11
Of the proposals for changes in the sangha the most detailed one belonged to Pai Shen (). His greatest innovation was to divide monkhood into two great categories, the Shang Tso Pu (the elders) and the Ta Chun Pu (the great assembly). The elders preside in the temples and devote themselves to cultivation. Besides, they must preach the Buddhist doctrine and act in such a manner as to benefit all living creatures. They are divided into four ranks (hsin, chieh, hsing, cheng). Promotion to the next higher rank is considered every five years and is determined by an examination.
Those who are deficient in learning or lack the capacity for the rigours of cultivation are allotted to the great assembly. These monks must develop some skill or learning to become self-supporting. They should get into professions such as education, law, social work and cultural activities. They must support the livelihood of the elders, take care of the properties of the temples, promote Buddhist enterprises, and assist the elders in spreading the teaching. Monks of the great assembly are allowed to get married and have families if they so wish.
31
discussion of reform. Nevertheless, the monks' opinions were a revealing source of how they saw themselves.
The main reasons why the monks thought change in the sangha system was necessary were three: 1. The old system was no longer suited to modern life. That was why monkhood was no longer appealing to the younger generation. 2. The old system has been crumbling. It was necessary to redefine the monkhood more clearly. The old public monastic system (** 41), with its numerous monks, long meditation and formalized life-style, was forever gone. There were simply not enough monks in any one monastery for the monastic system to work. Furthermore, not a single monk could keep all 250 precepts. Most did not even know what they were.
Some of these precepts
were thought to be unsuitable to modern life.
Would it not be a
better policy if they were changed, to make it realistic to demand that they be kept? 3. The old system of prayer and meditation no longer met the needs of society. What was needed was to render service to society.10
11
Of the proposals for changes in the sangha the most detailed one belonged to Pai Shen (). His greatest innovation was to divide monkhood into two great categories, the Shang Tso Pu ( the elders) and the Ta Chun Pu (Я*B the great assembly). The elders preside in the temples and devote themselves to cultivation. Besides, they must preach the Buddhist doctrine and act in such a manner as to benefit all living creatures. They are divided into four ranks (hsin, chieh, hsing, cheng 1 MIT). Promotion to the next higher rank is considered every five years and is determined by an examination.
Those who are deficient in learning or lack the capacity for the rigours of cultivation are alloted to the great assembly. These monks must develop some skill or learning to become self- supporting. They should get into professions such as education, law, social work and cultural activities. They must support the livelihood of the elders, take care of the properties of the temples, promote Buddhist enterprises, and assist the elders in spreading the teaching. Monks of the great assembly are allowed to get married and have families if they so wish.
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