Dear List,

 

A problem probably already solved, many times over, but - recurring, sort of obstinate.

 

Now, in texts describing the first days after the Buddha’s Awakening there appears term bhikkhu (bhikkhave) usually translated as ‘monk’ (‘monks’). 


The typical dictionary definition of the word ‘monk’ is: “man in a religious order who lives a life of poverty, chastity and obedience”.

 

At that early period there was no Buddhist order, not yet. Prof. Stanisław F. Michalski would use in his pre-war Polish translations the word ‘żebrak’ (‘almsman’, ‘beggar’). More appropriate, certainly, but sounding not too well considering the sort of, typically aggresive beggars appearing on the streets all over the world.

 

‘Monk’ (‘monks’) seems to prevail, in Poland and everywhere else. 


But, my students ask me: the first sermon and its addressees  a group of five monks had they been already made members of the Buddhist order? When and how was that order established?


Respects, 


Artur Karp (ret.)


Chair of South Asian Studies

University of Warsaw

Poland