Table of Contents

Acknowledgments; Introduction; 1. The origin of the community; 2. Dwelling places; 3. Clothing; 4. Food; 5. Money; 6. Chastity; 7. Solitude; 8. The rules of the community; Conclusion; Appendices; Glossary; Index.

Promotional Information

This 1991 book describes the ideal way of life prescribed for Buddhist monks and nuns in the Pali texts of the Theravada school of Buddhism.

Reviews

"For anybody who is interested in the process of codification of monastic rules in the Theravada tradition, Wijayaratna's book offers extensive scriptural information..." Cistercian Studies Quarterly "I am delighted to see this translation in print. The French version has been revised and admirably translated. For an understanding of the founding and early form of the Buddhist monastic order most people still rely on Dult's pioneering book, published in 1924, which is now quite out of date. This book completely supersedes Dult. Let us hope that this major contribution to the history of religions will now reach the audience it deserves." Richard Gombrich, Oxford University