Becoming A Monk In Hong Kong

■Book 111 - Roving Over The World

Following the Buddhist tradition, once a person is ordained as a monk, he must shave his head bald, and wear the monk`s robe. Moreover, he must exude a dignified behavior as follows:

He must stand like a pine tree,

He must sit like a bell,

He must sleep like a bow,

He must walk like a breeze of wind.

He must give others the following impression:

\`Independent and unique\`

\`Uncontaminated\`

\`Gentle\`

\`Courteous\`

\`Solemn\`

\`Calm\`

By following certain rules, he must behave in an impressive and dignified manner.

Monks are embarrassed and puzzled by a custom observed by people in Hong Kong.

When people meet me, they are sure to utter a few words such as:

\`Oh, gone nuts\`

\`So unlucky\`

\`Oh my God, I am dead!\`

\`I will lose everything !\`

Some even go to the extent of throwing an unfriendly glance and spit at me.

As they are all strangers to me, at first I did not know how to react to such behaviour.

Later, I was given the understanding that this is a custom observed only by Cantonese:

1. It is unlucky to meet a monk.

2. Bald means nothing left, you will lose everything if you gamble.

In Hong Kong, gambling is rife. It is not uncommon for people to have a few games of \`Mahjong\` just before the meal. In fact, gambling is a necessity, part and parcel of life in Hong Kong. You come across gambling dens everywhere, people have dreams that they make a fortune through gambling. Human greeds are clearly shown in their behaviour.

I know that Customs and habits are difficult to change.

So is human nature.

We are very protective, even our bad habits.

I have nothing to say since nobody will heed my explanation.

I am asked:

\`Is there a possibility that this custom will change in future ?\`

\`I am not sure \`, I told the truth.

\`Maybe we would educate them through mass media ?\`

\`We should try our best.\`

\`One of these days, they will be delighted to meet those ordained.\`

\`Hope so.\`

A Buddhist monk will always wear a robe known as \`Kasaya\` (the garment of the field of blessing), to represent good fortune. We should be happy to see them.

Moreover, to become a Buddhist monk is considered a conduct that will result in blessing. As monks are observing five precepts and doing ten good deeds, those who see them will be blessed.

By observing the vow, a monk will accumulate two kinds of virtue. The first is merit, we will be blessed if we meet a monk. The second is wisdom, only those who are wise will choose to be monks. In fact, only those who have virtuous cause will become monks. The place where a monk lives is known as a place of blessedness, a monastery.

In short, the monk signifies a blessed field, a virtuous behaviour, a virtuous cause and a blessed place.

We must be very lucky to have met the monks.

There are very few wise persons in this world; most people are blind, they are ignorant and follow others in indulging in all kinds of customs and superstitions.

In learning Buddhism, we must be rational and remove the superstitious elements.

I would not let myself mired in this kind of custom. Therefore, when the crowds pass by, I would not feel sad or uneasy, nevertheless, I will still pray for their well-being.

I feel comfortable when I was in Hong Kong.

 

2025年功德主方案 
點此入內 線上刷卡
(單位:美金)

  下載迴向報名專用表 

迴向報名表填完之後請傳送E-mail: Email住址會使用灌水程式保護機制。你需要啟動Javascript才能觀看它

燃燈paypal註冊的信箱是Email住址會使用灌水程式保護機制。你需要啟動Javascript才能觀看它 敬請同門善信大德注意,以免無法收款!謝謝!

 

「隨喜贊助」、廣告刊登等,請參考下方。


點選「隨喜贊助」進入PayPal 線上信用卡贊助網頁,填寫數量即是您的贊助金額!

 

   

◆其他贊助方法:劃撥、匯票、支票及國外匯款

聯絡我們:

投稿專用E-mail:Email住址會使用灌水程式保護機制。你需要啟動Javascript才能觀看它

電話:886-49-2312992 分機 362

傳真:886-49-2350140
迴向報名表傳送E-mail:Email住址會使用灌水程式保護機制。你需要啟動Javascript才能觀看它

 

贊助索閱一年24期紙本雜誌、變更郵寄地址、或 參加「功德主方案

請洽分機 367

 ◆刊登全彩廣告/賀詞/請佛住世詞,下載廣告確認單。

請洽分機 368