Why are Monks Fighting Police?

Monks are fighting police in Thailand due to tensions over a controversial temple, which has led to clashes between hundreds of Buddhist monks and devotees and massed ranks of police. The situation is complex, with Buddhist monks and police officers on opposite sides, highlighting the need to understand the rules and regulations that govern the behavior of monks and the factors that contribute to such confrontations.

Understanding the Role of Monks

To comprehend the reasons behind the clashes, it is essential to understand the role of Buddhist monks in society and the disciplines they follow.

Discipline and Rules

Buddhist monks live by a standard set of rules that is very strict, and if found to be violating them, they would have to declare defeat from their community. These rules include The Five Precepts: refrain from taking life, not killing any living being, refrain from taking what is not given, not stealing from anyone, refrain from the misuse of the senses, not having too much sensual pleasure, refrain from wrong speech, and refrain from intoxicants that cloud the mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions that provide additional insights into the world of monks and their interactions with the community and law enforcement:

1. What are monks forbidden from doing? Monks are forbidden to divine either good fortune or future tragedy by observing heavenly omens, thereby deceiving both the tennō and the people. They are also forbidden to possess and study military tracts, to commit murder, rape, robbery, or other crimes, and to feign enlightenment.

2. Why can’t you touch a monk? You should not touch a monk, especially if you are a woman, because monks believe that a woman’s body goes against their Buddhist vows. Thus, many temples do not allow women in certain areas, and women should never touch a monk.

3. How disciplined are monks? The practice of Buddhist monks is based on rigorous self-control. They live by a standard set of rules that is very strict, and if found to be violating them, they would have to declare defeat from their community.

4. Why do Shaolin monks fight? Shaolin monks organized forces within their community to protect the temple and fight against intruders, such as thieves and bandits, at the end of the Sui dynasty.

5. Why don’t Shaolin monks eat meat? Shaolin monks adhere to the Buddhist teachings of not killing and therefore eat a vegetarian diet. The Shaolin Temple diet also excludes alcohol, and stimulating spices or odiferous foods.

6. Are Shaolin monks unbeatable? Shaolin monks practice Zen Buddhism and are outstanding martial artists. As the entirety of their training takes place inside their monastery, they are less than stellar with firearms, but in hand-to-hand combat, they are nigh unbeatable.

7. What are the 5 rules for monks? The Five Precepts are: refrain from taking life, not killing any living being, refrain from taking what is not given, not stealing from anyone, refrain from the misuse of the senses, not having too much sensual pleasure, refrain from wrong speech, and refrain from intoxicants that cloud the mind.

8. What happens if a monk is disobedient? If a monk does not amend, he must be rebuked publicly in the presence of everyone. But if even then he does not reform, let him be excommunicated, provided that he understands the nature of this punishment.

9. Can you stop being a monk? Following a period as a novice, usually six months to a year, the novice professes temporary vows, which can be renewed for a period of years. After a few years, the monk professes permanent vows, which are binding for life.

10. What happens if you accidentally touch a monk? If you do accidentally touch a monk, nothing will happen to you, but it will be very bad for the monk and his vows.

11. Could anyone become a monk? To become a monk, you need to be a confirmed and practising Catholic, a man over the age of 18, in good mental and physical health, if possible involved in the life of your parish or something similar, unmarried, with no dependents.

12. Why can’t you point your feet at Buddha? Because of what they represent, it’s disrespectful to point your feet in the direction of other worshippers or of the Buddha.

13. What are the craziest things monks can do? Shaolin monks can perform seemingly impossible feats of mental and physical prowess, such as poking holes into trees with their fingers, banging their bare heads against stone walls, and knocking their heads together to harden their skulls.

14. How do monks get money? Monks are paid, and the income is added to the community income. There is no private income for any monk.

15. Can a monk get angry? Monks, to be sure, must embody these qualities even more than ordinary individuals; and undoubtedly, the ability to overcome anger in everyday life is one of the hallmarks of a Buddhist monk. An angry monk, on the other hand, is inherently in the wrong.

By examining these questions and answers, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex issues surrounding the clashes between monks and police and the unique aspects of monastic life.