Do Buddhist monks go to war?

Buddhists go to war, too. Given that Theravada Buddhists constitute overwhelming majorities in the five countries where their faith is practiced — Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand — it might seem strange that they feel so besieged.

Has Buddhism been persecuted?

Many adherents of Buddhism have experienced persecution because of their affiliation to the Buddhist practice, including unwarranted arrests, imprisonment, beating, torture, and/or execution.

Does Buddhism allow self defense?

Yes. Self-defense is an option in Buddhism. Traditionally monks and nuns cannot kill and should not fight, but the Buddha taught that kings have a responsibility to defend their countries against attack.

Are Buddhists discriminated against?

The Buddha was born into a society that knew the caste system. For Buddhists, the caste system is an example of discrimination and is something that they do not support. Buddhists teach that prejudice is an example of ignorance.

Who destroyed Buddhist temples?

In the latest act of religious oppression, China has demolished a 1,000-year-old Buddhist temple in its Shanxi province. Such is the absolute control of the CCP over the internet in China that even important events are going unnoticed.

Can I eat meat as a Buddhist?

Five ethical teachings govern how Buddhists live. One of the teachings prohibits taking the life of any person or animal. Buddhists with this interpretation usually follow a lacto-vegetarian diet. This means they consume dairy products but exclude eggs, poultry, fish, and meat from their diet.

Can you kill in self defense in Buddhism?

What martial art do Buddhist monks use?

Shaolin martial arts
The 18 methods of Luohan with a strong Buddhist flavour were practiced by Shaolin monks since this time, which was later used to create more advanced Shaolin martial arts. Shaolin monks had developed very powerful martial skills, and this showed itself towards the end of the Sui dynasty.

Why is Buddhism no longer popular in India?

The decline of Buddhism has been attributed to various factors, especially the regionalisation of India after the end of the Gupta Empire (320–650 CE), which led to the loss of patronage and donations as Indian dynasties turned to the services of Hindu Brahmins.

Do Zen Buddhist drink alcohol?

Drinking this kind of beverage whether one knows it as alcohol or not can be considered as transgression of vows. Despite the great variety of Buddhist traditions in different countries, Buddhism has generally not allowed alcohol intake since earliest times.

Why is there a waiting period at a Buddhist funeral?

Buddhists believe that a waiting period between the time of death and cremation or burial is necessary, as it takes time for a soul to transition after death. The length of time depends upon the Buddhist tradition.

Why do people chant parittas at a Buddhist funeral?

Chanting and praying plays a vital part of the death process of the Buddhist. As a person lies dying, family members or monks often chant parittas or protective verses. After the person dies, the chanting continues to help ease the transition of the soul out of the body. Chanting may also take place during the wake.

Do you have to be a Buddhist to have a cremation?

The cremation ceremony may be for family members only. Although cremation is not a requirement of Buddhists, it is usually the typical practice since the Buddha was himself cremated. As mentioned, many Buddhists choose to use some of the funeral traditions of the local area.