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