Organisation in Monastery

PHAT LINH TEMPLE
ORGANISATION IN MANOSTERY

 

 
BUDDHIST CALENDAR 2564
WESTERN CALENDAR 2020
 
A HISTORICAL BRIEF OF
PHAT LINH TEMPLE
NAMO SAKYAMAUNI BUDDHA!
Dear all the most venerable Bhikkhu Sangha!
Dear all Buddhists!

Master Thich Phap Minh, ordinary name: Huynh Van Kiem was a founder of Phat Linh Temple. It located on highway 51 about 10 km from Ba Ria city. He did the first stone ceremony for construction on 1972 and started construction on 1973. The contruction had not been completely because of war. In 1976, he passed away.
His daughter Huynh Thi Hoa, Dharmname: Thich Nu Van Thanh, ordinated by master Thich Tri Minh, abbot at Khuong Viet Temple in Norway. She came to Viet Nam for to take care of Phat Linh Temple. She wished to rebuild this construction. But 2007, she got sickness and passed away.
Her son Thich Hanh Dinh, did work as a monk in charge of Vien giac Temple at Bodhgaya in India. He ordinated by master Thich Nhu Dien, abbot of Vien Giac Temple at Hannover city, in Germany. He did rebuild this construction in 2007 and in 2009, construction would be completed. The openningsceremony organised on 4,5 July 2009. Consumery, this Temple had been undergone for building by three generations.

On behalf of Phat Linh Sangha Community, we would like to say “Thank you” to all the most venerable Bhikkhu Sangha and all donors for supports of construction of Phat Linh Temple. We one again would like to pay gratitudes all of you.
We all sincerely pray the Lord Buddha blessing all of you having good health, peaceful and happiness in the mind. We would like to dedicate all merits to all living beings becoming Buddhas soon.
NAMO SAKYAMAUNI BUDDHA!
Chùa Phật Linh ngày 04/07-2009
Bhikkhu Tỳ kheo Thích Hạnh Định
 
 
 
 
 
 
A BIOGRAPHY OF ABBOT OF
PHAT LINH TEMPLE

Master Thich Hanh Dinh, ordinary name: Do Dinh Binh, born in 1972 at Sai gon city, Viet Nam. His father was a doctor at Nguyen Tri Phuong hospital. His mother was a tourist guide. Since, he was 11 class at high school; He did move with famnily to Norway in 1989. In Norway, he did study sosial and environment at high school. After that, he worked as cashsier in Rimi shopping in Oslo. In 1995, he and his mother visited the Lord Buddha `s holy land in India. On 31 July 1997, he ordinated as a Buddhist monk by master Thich Nhu Dien, a Abbot of Vien Giac Temple, at Hannover city, in Germany. On 16 May 1998, he did ordinate Sammenera. On 01 July 2001, he did ordinate Bhikkhu. In 2003, he was monk in charge of Vien Giac Temple. On 2006, he came back to Viet Nam for to take care of Phat Linh Temple. He did complete whole construction of Phat Linh Temple. The openningsceremony of Phat Linh Tepmle was held on 04,05 July 2009. From that day, all activitives had been running well until now.
He wished that Phat Linh Temple would be a pure land for everyone to seach peaceful and happiness in their lives.
Namo Amitabha Buddha!
Chùa Phật Linh Date 30 June 2012
Bhikkhu Thích Hạnh Định
 
 
 
 
 
PHAT LINH VIHARA
248A ấp Phước Hiệp, xã Tân Hòa,
huyện Tân Thành, tỉnh BR-VT
Tel : 064-3891583
 
ORGANISATION IN MONASTERY
 

 
 
 
CONTENT
 
I. Introduction
II. Condition to be a monk in monastery
III. Sangha community `s rules 
IV. Organisation in monastery
V. Time table
VI. Education program
VII. The Buddhists`s duties
VIII. The Monks`s responsibilities
IX. The disciplines of Monks
X. Some advices for the new practitioners
XI. The obstacles toward the practitioners of the path of liberation from Samsara
 
 
ORGANISATION IN MONASTERY
I. Introduction:
          The Lord Buddha enlightened the truth of the life and the truth of the true mind. So He became a Enlightened one. After that, He would notify all living beings about Buddha nature in all living being `s minds. He started to preach his Dhamma to everyone and did establish Triple Gems. Triple Gems consist of Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha. Sangha would maintain Triple Gems and Buddhism forever. Being a monk is a menber of Sangha Community. So, monks ought to live harmony in Sangha Community. How to do that? We can learn manegement and organisation in monastery as followings:
II. CONDITIONS TO BE A MONK IN MONASTERY:
The monastery is a place where all the monks allow to stay and to practise  the Buddha `s teachings. If the Sangha community accept them as a member in the monastery. We should give them good teachings and practice. At the same time, we also provide them foods, materials, healthcare, .v.v. But all the monks should follow the commen rules for to have a harmony of Sangha community. The rules and regulations are as followings:
    1. To deliver the personal ID.
    2. To deliver the single certificate. In the case, you got mariaged before. You should deliver divorce certificate.
    3. To deliver official curriculum vitae.
    4. To deliver health certification.
    5. To deliver the application form for to be a monk.
    6. Under 18 old age, they should deliver permission from parent.
    7. Being a monk do not be blind, dumb, deaf, handicapped and no memtal illness. ect . .
    8. To deliver the high school certificate. Unless, they are over 40 old age.
    9. Do not have debt or commit national laws.
    10. Do not have any relationship in society.
    11. No killing, no stealing, no sex, no telling lies, no smoking, no drink alcohol, no drug, no playing cards, .ect ..
    12. Being a monk should promise not to leave from Sangha community. Do not live separated like secular life.
    13. All monks should follow timetable, Sangha community `s rules and workingsduty.
    14. No fighting, no slander each other and living harmony in Sangha community. If you do not feel comfortable here, you can ask permission to leave for another monastery. But you should not speak ill about Sangha community.
          In the case, you do not have enough conditions above. You can not be a monk.
III. SANGHA COMMUNITY ` S RULES AND REGULATIONS:
          The purposes for Monks `s life is to achieve sammadhi and wisdom. So being a monk should use the times to study the Lord Buddha `s teaching and to practice meditation. But we should follow the commen rules in monastery.
    1. Practitioners should not go out too much. Unless, going to school, doctors or as parents, relatives got sickness; There is dealth ceremony of family.ect. . However, we should ask pernission from Sangha community.
    2. All Monks can contact the guests in the sitting room or public places. Not in the secrect places.
    3. All Monks should complete duties that Monk in Sangha did divide.
    4. All Monks must be present in time in all sessions. Except sickness or other reasons.
    5. Practitioners are not allow to be lasy, while all Monks have been working together.
    6. All Monks must have responsibility to take care all the monastery `s properties.
    7. All Monks must ask permission for to go out. We should inform the monk in Sangha that we come back late.
    8. Anyone would like to move to another monastery. You can ask permission from Sangha community.
    9. All Monks are not allow to join in any political groups or society groups.
    10. If you leave from monastery, the Sangha community, so you should have responsibility by yourselve.
IV. ORGANISATION IN MONASTERY:
          The Sangha community is a small society. If we know how to organise the managementsmembers in the monastery. Then we will be stronger.
A. Organisationsmembers:
    1. The abbot: He has responsibity to take care all activity in the monastery.
    2. Vice abbot: He can replace the abbot in the case of absent.
    3. The Dharma teacher group have responsibility to teach Dharma to the monks and Buddhists.
    4. The secretary: He has pesponsibility to solve all documents in the monastery.
    5. The treasurer: He keeps the property, donations and to solve all expenditures of the monastery.
    6. The sangha in charge has to take care of the monks and nuns.
    7. The vice sangha in charge: He helps the Sangha in charge.
    8. The monk in charge: He takes care of maintainent of the monastery.
    9. The guest monk: He contacts and serves the guests. If they want to overnight in monastery, he can guide them and receive their ID.
    10. The monk in charge of the foodstore: He takes care of foods in the storeroom.
    11. The monk in charge of Buddha `s hall: He takes care of Buddha `s hall, guide the lay peoples how to worship Buddha.
    12. The monk in charge of garden: He takes care of the garden.
    13. The monk in charge of ceremonys: He takes care of
 all ceremonys.
B.  Election of managementsmembers in monastery:
          The Lord Buddha establisthed Triple Gems for the living beings forever. As Lord Buddha entered Nirvana already, after that Sangha had replaced Lord Buddha to mantain Triple Gems. All Monks should live together  in harmony of Sangha Community. Monastery is a place where everyone worship Triple Gems. The abbot is representativ of Sangha Community to remain Triple Gems and its properties.
          Some Monks are founders of monastery. They did a lot of work for this monaster. But it did not mean that monastery is his private or personal property. The monasteries have been contribuded moneys, materials and a lot of supports by all Buddhists and donors. ect. . They did not want to donate the Abbot `s  personal property. If the Abbot said that monastery was his personal property. It means that he robbed the Triple Gems `s property. The Triple Gems and monastery are belong to Sangha Community. So all Buddhist Monks have rights to stay in all monasteries in order to practise The Lord Buddha `s teachings. But all Monks have to follow Silas, timetable, activitives in monastery.
          In the case, the Abbot manages monastery alone, then he has responsibity to take care all things alone. If there are 4 bhikkhus up in monastery. That is enough a Sangha. Then the Abbot must elect a managing committee. Now we do it as followings:
    1. All representatives have been elected by 3/5<sup>th</sup> of Sangha.
    2. The term last 5 years. Election organises on 01 dec and new term can start on 01 Jan.
    3. Sangha made rules and regulations for term 5 years. After 5 years, all representatives automatically will be expired. Then Sangha open new election.
    4. If  anyone would like to resign his work with proper reason. Then Sangha must approve and elect new one.
    5. If any representative commits Silas, criminals and other matters that would be scandals for Congregation, for Buddhism, for Sangha and for Buddhist Community. Sangha have his evidences. Then Sangha have right dismiss him. Then Sangha elect new one.
    6. Before election, all members must be received invitation letter and votes. Who is absent in election day. Then their votes will be deleted. Even though, they have any reasons.
    7. Managing Committee were elected already, then everybody should be happy and cooperate each other. They are temperary reprensentatives 5 years of Sangha in order to take care of Monastery `s activitives. Therefore, everyone do not compete any posittion.
    8. All representatives should deliver curriculum vitae and all education certificates. Sangha will considerate that they commit Silas, commit crimes, or have any debts .ect. .
    9. If anyone resign your duty. So he can deliver resignation form to Sangha.
    10. We have meeting two times in a month on the first and the 15^th lunar calendar. Then the secrectay report monthly expenditures and activitives.
    11. Anyone must inform Sangha. If they will be absent in meeting. In the case, they are absent 10 times without report. Then Sangha can change a new one.
    12. All representatives should have good personalities, good educations and good practices.
    13. Everyone are able to suggest anything in Sangha. But no one allow to slander each other, create fighting and disunite Sangha. Sangha have any evidences above, then Sangha expell him from Sangha.
    14. After election, all represemtatives vow to complete their duties and follow rules and regulations in front of Sangha.
    15. Sangha have rules and regulations to do Buddhist services only. All Monks are not allow to do political works and business, .ect. .
C. Donation:
Donation is for Triple Gems such as Buddha, Dharma, and  Sangha.
    1. Donation for Buddha:
          Offering flowers, fruits, incences, candles, .ect . .   2. Donation for Dharma:
          Offering the Dharma books.
    3. Donation for Sangha community:
    3.1. Daily foods for Monks.
    3.2. Life materials for Monks.
    3.3. School fee and school materials.
    3.4. Healthcare  and life insurance for Sangha community.
    3.5. Expenditure for electricity, water, Telephone, TV, Internet, .ect . .
    3.6. Monk in charge can give all the monks a small pocket money monthly. If the donation funds is possiple.
    3.7. All monks should offer a half of personal donation to Triple Gems for to take care of the monastery `s expenditure and Sangha community.
    4. Donation for maintainent of construction:
    - Expenditure for maintainent and rebuilding the monastery `s construction
V. TIME TABLE:
04 giờ        Wake up
04 giờ 15   Ringing bell.
04 giờ 30   Meditation.
05 giờ        Chanting.
07 giờ        Breakfast.
07 giờ 30   Tidy up.
08 giờ 30   Study.
10 giờ        Cookingsrice offering to Buddha.
11 giờ        Lunch.
12 giờ        Take rest.
13 giờ 30   Wake up.
14 giờ        Meditation.
15 giờ 30   Chanting.
17 giờ        Dinner
19 giờ        Chanting.
20 giờ        Meditation.
22 giờ        Sleeping time
* Morning 15 fullmoon: Recitation of silas; Evening Sangha meeting.
VI. EDUCATION PROGRAM:
    1. Buddhist Tripitaka: a) Sutra; b) Vinaya Sila; c) Abhidhamma.
    2. The basical Buddhist theory in English.
     - Four Noble Truths.
     - Thirty seven factors to achieve Buddha.
     - Law of Cause and effect.
     – Cause and condition law.
    - The Twelve Links of Dependent Origination.
    - Bodhicita generation.
    - The six Paramitas: Giving; Keep silas; Patience; Diligent; Sammadhi; Wisdom.
    3. Sammatha, Vipassana meditation.
    4. The Indian, Chinese and Vietnamese Buddhist history.
    5. Management of The Buddhist monastery and school.
    6. Other religious study.
    7. Propagation methods in Soceity.
We can give Buddha `s teachings and we post them on: 1) Website, 2) Youtube, 3) Facebook, 4) Radio, 5) Television, 6) Newspapers, 7) Books, 8)Musik, 9) Film, 10) Pictures, 11) Buddhist school, 12) Meditation retreat, 13) the Buddhist cultural activitives, 14) Charitable works, and 15) Pilgrimages, ect.
 
VII. THE BUDDHISTS `S DUTIES
Namo Sakyamauni Buddha!
Dear all the Buddhist!
The Buddhists are the lay peoples whom can get marriage and having children. So they must do bussiness for to take care whole families. We can say that they follow the rural lifes. The rural life is the way to reincarnation. However, the Buddhists took refugee in the Triple Gems and receive 5 precepts. 5 precepts are the basical foundation of Buddhism; We can say it another way that 5 precepts are the basical foundation of the human `s morality. 5 precepts have usefuls not to fall down in animals, hungry ghosts and hell being realms. Next life will be in the human realm.
Monks left home to follow the Buddha `s life. They do not have families and children. the purpose is to achieve Nirvana in order to liberate the samsara (rebirth).
The Buddhists had known the differents above. Then you pay attention all your duties below:
    1.  All the Buddhists should take refugee in Triple Gems ceremony. Then you will be recognised a official Buddhist.
    2. The Buddhist should vow to receive 5 precepts.
    3. The Buddhist should go to the basical Buddhist class. If a Buddhist do not know the Lord Buddha `s teaching. It means that you are not a Buddhist.
    4. The Buddhists ought to have daily chanting. Particular, the fulmoon day.
    5. The Buddhists try on your best to eat vegetarians 2 times monthly in order to avoid killing and to respect the life.
    6. The Buddhists should pratise givint for having good karma in present and future life.
    7. The Buddhists should befree animals in order to develope compassion.
Phật tử phải tập phóng sanh để thể hiện và phát triển lòng từ bi.
    8. The Buddhists should learn how to chanting and meditation.
    9. The Buddhists practise chanting and meditation on morning and evening daily.
    10. The Buddhists should have responsibility to guide your children taking refugee in Triple Gems and learning Buddhism.
    11. The Buddhists go to Monastery for to purify the mouth, body and mind. So do not slander each other or fighting each other.
    12. The Buddhists are not allow to criticise or to speak ill Monks in public. You can complain to Sangha community or the gorvement. Then we require justice.
    13. The Buddhist are not allow to believe the public news or the news on newspapers, facebook, ect. You should research the evidences and vitims, .ect . . This is right view.
    14. The Buddhists have responsibility to support and protect the monasterys for present and next generations. The monastery where worships the Triple Gems. The Triple Gems are Buddha, Dharma and sangha. But Sangha remains Buddha and Dharma. So Sangha is very important. General speaking, Sangha and lay Buddhists corperate each other. The Buddhism will be stronger.
 
VIII. MONKS `S RESPONSIBILITY
Namo Sakyamauni Buddha!
Dear Bhikhu and Bhikhuni!
          Monks and Nuns leave home, families, relative, and all the activities in society in order to study the Lord Buddha `s teachings and to practise meditation. The purposes is to attain Nirvana for to liberate samsara (Rebirth). We can say that these are the Arahat `s way, The Bodhisatta `s way, the Buddha `s way. That is the reasons that we must pay attention in some informations below.
Điều 1: Monks `s duties is to study, practise and do propagation of Dharma.
Điều 2: Monks stay in the Buddha `s house, to wear the Buddha `s robes, to eat the Buddha `s foods, to learn the Buddha `s teachings. So the monks have to say, to act and to teache  exactly as Buddha had taught.
Điều 3: Monks are not allow to speak ill about sangha community or Buddha Dharma in society, on facebook, on websites, or in newspapers. ect. . In the case, any monks did mistakes. You can compain to Sangha community or to the judge, then you can know what is wrongs and rights.
Điều 4: Monks have to create trustful for yourselve, for Sangha community, for Buddhist congregation and for the Buddhists.
Điều 5: Monks must behave morality and to perform compassion forword everyone and animals in anywhere.
Điều 6: Monks are not allow to post pictures  or video clips of Sangha `s activitives on facebook, websites, .ect . . Unless the Buddhist activitives
Điều 7: Monks have responsibili to preserve Buddha and Dharma for present and future generation.
Điều 8: Monks have responsibity to preach Dharma for new monks, Buddhists and everybody in society.
Điều 9: Monks are not allow to reduce the Buddha `s precepts or create more rules for Monks and lay peoples.
Điều 10: Monks offer own body to serve the Triple Gems, Sangha community and all living being. This is the Buddha `s way.
Based on Dhamma, not based on peoples,
Based on meanings, not based on words,
Based on the meaning Sutra , not based on non meaning Sutra,
Based on wisdom, not based on realizing”.
IX. DISCIPLINES OF MONKS
A monk is a member of the Sangha community and Buddhist Congregation. Therefore, the image and personal practice of a monk plays a very important role for the Sangha. For example: If a monk is talented and virtuous, they will contribute to the reputation of the Sangha, the Congregation and Buddhism. On the contrary, if a monk commits a crime, then they cause a bad reputation among the masses, directly affecting Master in particular, the Sangha in general, and so on.
Recently, monks and nuns have left Master and the Sangha to live separately, such as in the privat houses, etc. The monk is to leave the family to take refuge in the Three Jewels, to rely on the Master Patriarch, to rely on the Sangha, etc. But if the monk lives alone in a private house, then they are the same as Buddhists at home. If they die, the family takes them home for a funeral like a secular person. They almost completely cut off contact with Master, Patriarch, Dharma brothers, etc. In life, people still have parents, brothers, families and backgrounds. What's more, people who have left home learn ethics and practice to become Buddhas, but they don't know who the teachers and Dharma brothers are; those who have ordained without the origin of the Master, where do they come from?
Worse still, some monks and nuns living separately started smoking, drinking, gambling, betting on football, and getting married, etc.
In the country and abroad, there are also a number of monks and nuns who work as nails, quit newspapers, open restaurants, trade in all kinds of businesses, etc. In order to earn a living, they no longer think about spiritual practice, causing disparagement of the masses in society, affecting the reputation of the Sangha and distrusting Buddhist followers. For the above reasons, the monks must have rules and regulations to protect the reputation of the Sangha in general and individuals in particular.
Meaning of ordination:
    1. Out of the secular family: Being a monk is to leave the secular family such as parents, brothers, spouses, children, friends, etc. The purpose is to rely on the Master to study the Way, rely on the Three Jewels to stay, and rely on the Sangha to practice.
    2. Out of affliction: Being a monk is to eliminate daily afflictions. Defilements cease, then peace and Nirvana appear.
    3. Out of the three realms of samsara: Being a monk is to liberate from the three realms of samsara such as the sex world, the form world, and the formless world.
    4. Being a monk is to study and to cultivate Buddha Dharma in order to get happiness, and peaceful in the mind.
5. Being a monk is to be An Arahant, a Boddhisattva, a Buddha in order to liberate samsara for yourselves, and for sentient beings.
Master's Duties:
    1. The master who accepts a monk as a disciple. He has the duty to take care of the disciple in both materials and spiritual life. If the master is not able to take care of the material things, then the master should not accept disciples. For what will the disciple rely on? Do disciples have to rely on their family or go to work to earn money?
    2. The Master must be responsible for teaching the Sutras, Vinaya (Laws), Abhidhamma, and Dharma practice, and experience in cultivation for his disciples. If the master is busy with the Buddhist affairs of the congregation or is unable to teach, he can send his disciples to another Dharma teacher or to a Zen monastery or a Buddhist school to study. Otherwise, the disciple has wasted a lifetime of cultivation.
    3. If the Master is not a Dharma master or has a family, the disciples can ask for another guru to rely on to study the way; or the disciple asks the master to go to a Zen monastery or another Buddhist school to study.
  4. The Master who accepts disciples is responsible for teachings and managing the disciples. Because if disciples go to do something wrong that affect society, the Congregation, Sangha and Buddhism, etc. then the Master is the one who is directly responsible. If the disciple leaves without permission, or he has disrobed already, the Master must notify the Buddhist Congregation, especially the master has to revoke his monk ID, etc. If Master cannot obtain a disciple's monk documents, then Master must notify the Congregation to deal with it, because of this to avoid the case of abusing religious papers to deceive others.
    5. All people have parental origins; the monk must also have ancestral roots. If the disciple wants to excel, and does not want to rely on the main master, he or she can be reordained as a disciple with another Master. Thus, the new Master will be directly responsible for teaching and managing disciples. Or in case, the disciple finds another Master who accepts them as his disciple, then the main Master will hand over the new Master to teach and manage them without having to re-ordained. But the guru should do the handover paperwork. Why you have to do that? A monk is a person who practices the Way, becomes a Saint, and becomes a Buddha, but this practitioner does not have the origin of the Patriarch and does not respect the Master and respects the Way, then how can he be a saint?
    6. The Master should not teach his disciples to do politics or do business or tell them to do business and make money.
The duties of disciples:
    1. The monk is looking for a teacher to learn, and practice the Way. So, the monk is to cultivate personal morality; at the same time, the monk towards the escape from samsara. Therefore, monk must have respect for the Master, and everyone. People still know how to respect their parents; What's more, people who study and practice to become saints and Buddhas don't respect their ancestors and respect morality?
    2. The monk must not speak ill of the Master, his Dharma brothers, or the Sangha. But everyone has the right to write constructive comments to Master and the Congregation.
    3. The monk goes somewhere and does something, he have to report to the Master and Sangha. Otherwise, you will be fined.
    4. The monk has the duty to study and practice in accordance with the Dharma and to obey the teachings of the Buddha in the Sutras. The monk is not allowed to speak about the Buddha Dharma according to their personal concept.
    5. The monk must determine to stay in the temple, and live in harmony of Sangha community; the second is to stay at home and live according to secular people. If the monk does not feels comfortable, and follow all activitives in the temple, then he is able to ask his Master to return home.
    6. If the monk wants to get married, then ask Master to return home.
    7. If the monk wants to do political activities or do business, he should ask Master to return home.
    8. If the monk commits a crime against the national law, then ask Master to disrobe.
     9. If the monk got married, then ask the Master to disrobe.
    10. The monk feels that the practice or activities of this temple are not suitable, they can apply to another temple to study. But not allowed to live in private house or in the family home.
    11. The monk is not allowed to live alone like a private house or a private room and live like a secular person such as eating meat, drinking alcohol, smoking, playing cards, gambling, betting on football, borrowing debt, and lending money, go to work at a restaurant, open a restaurant, other forms of business, ect. In case, the abbot violates the above or sells the temple in any way, he will take it to the Sangha community, and take it to court to be punished by law.
    12. The monk is allowed to stay in a private retreat to practice meditation, when his master allows him, unless the retreat is within the premises of the Monastery.
    13. If a disciple abandons the Master by himself and stays in a private house, he will not have Master's consent and sever the relationship of  the Master and the Sangha. So he is not a disciple. Master will call him back to disrobe. If this disciple does not comply, then the Master may notify this case to Sangha, Congregation, because the monk does not have teacher's origin will affect the Master and Buddhism later.
Namo Amitabha Buddha!
I have clearly read the above meaning of ordination. I agree to accept and pledge to abide by this discipline.
                                               Sign
 
X. SOME ADVICES FOR NEW PRACTITIONERS
NAMO SAKYAMUNI BUDDHA!
Dear all Bhikkhu Sangha!   
The ordinated one is a Buddhist monk. A monk is a member of Sangha Community. So he left his family home for to be a member in Sangha Community. That is why, he should take refuge in Triple Gems, in the Ancient Master and in Sangha, ect...in order to learn and to practice Buddhism. Afterward, he will propagate Buddhism and maintain Triple Gems. If  Monks left Sangha and lived alone, separately. Then, he will look like a Buddhist layman. Because, he did not live harmony in Sangha Community. When he pass away, his relatives will make his funeral ceremony as layman. Because all his life, he served only for personality, but he did not do any service for Triple Gems, for Sangha and for Buddhism. These are reasons, i share some advices to all new practitioner as followings:
    1. MOUTH PRACTICE:
+ ARTICAL 1:
Monks should keep mouths cleanly, even in sleeping rooms, accommodations and toiletts. ect. . Moreover, Monks have to take care of good environment. After eating, you must brush teeth to avoid bad odor to others. If having halitosis, you should be cured at once.
+ ARTICAL 2:
Monks do not use your mouth to smoke cigarettes, to drink wines, beers, other intoxicants .ect. . Especially, you must avoid to eat flesh or meat of living beings.
+ ARTICAL 3:
All Dharma brothers must live harmony in Sangha. You must not slander each other and disunite in Sangha. Espescially, you do not slander to the Anciant Masters or even to the layman. If any Dharma brother did something mistakes; You can give some advices directly to them. They did not change anything. So, they will be a trial in Sangha meeting.The older Dharma brothers should take care of younger brothers. Younger brothers ought to listen to the right speech of older Brothers. More over, the older brothers should not use younger brothers to benefit for yourselve. To do so, you will be a true practitioner.
In the case, the disciples has not satisfied with your Master, not being harmony in Sangha or you do not feel comfortable to practise here, then you may get permission to move another monastery. You should not remain in this monastery to slander Master, brothers and to create fightings in monastery.
+ ARTICAL 4:
Monks must not say harsh, say obscene, talk about sexual desires or political, etc... You are able to use your mouth sharing about Dhamma and meditation experiences.
+ ARTICAL 5:
Monks must speak polite each other and everyone. Especially, you must know how to respect not only the elders and but also the youngers. Such was the real cultivators.
+ ARTICAL 6:
Monks must say honest, trustful. So, you can meditate for becoming a Saint, a Bodhisattva, and a Buddha.
+ ARTICAL 7:
Monks live in the right Dhamma, follow Silas and national laws. So you are not scared of polices and any judges. Someone slander you. If you are a good practitioner, then you do not fear it and do not be angry them. They challenge for your practice.
+ ARTICAL 8:
Being a monk is to qualify your personality. If someone remind and point out your mistakes, then you should not get angry and hate them. If you do so, you are not a real Buddhist cultivator! Contrary, you have to perform respect and to pay gratitude forward them. They are your living teachers who concern your practice.
+ ARTICAL 9:
Monks should not tell to the laymen about mistakes of the Dhamma brothers. All mistakes must be resolved in Sangha meeting.
+ ARTICAL 10:
Monks must not say “ this practice is higher than another practice”, “ this Sutra is a real one and that Sutra is a fake one”. To say so is to scold Dhamma. All of  these works only create disputing among Buddhist Sects and lose faith of Buddhists.
    2. BODY PRACTICE:
+ ARTICAL 11:
Monks ought to work and do exercite for the sake of healthy.
+ ARTICAL 12:
Monks always live on refuge in Triple Gems, in Ancient Master, in Sangha for cultivation. If you want to go out, you should go together with Dhamma brothers, but you must ask permission in advance. To do so, you are a real cultivator. Layman has parent and family. Doesn`t Monk have source of Ancient Master?
+ ARTICAL 13:
Monks must not kill living beings, must not have sexual relations, must not play cards, steal, buy lottery, bet football, borrow loan or commit the national laws, ect... these works can break your monk life and your Buddha nature.
+ ARTICAL 14:
Monks are strictly forbiden to rob Triple Gems’ property. The donation and all materials are belong to Triple Gems’ property. In other words, these things are property of Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha. Generally speaking, all abbots are presentative of  Triple Gems in order to maintain Triple Gems and to develope Buddhism. If  the Abbot sells his monastery, materials, and he use donation for personality or to provide someone. It means that he rob Triple Gems `s properties. This Abbot commit great crimes. Althought, the Abbot did good service for building of monastery, but all the donation, materials and charity work are from all donors. Noone would like to donate for development of the Abbot `s property. However, the Abbot has his right to transfer Abbot position to a new generation.
Monks stay in the Lord Buddha `s house, eat the Lord Buddha `s foods, wear the Lord Buddha `s robes, study the Lord Buddha `s Dhamma, but monks robbed Triple Gems `s properties and sell the Lord Buddha `s house. Then this abbot would be detained in the hell being.
+ ARTICAL 15:
Monks left family home in order to liberate Samsara. The holy Venerable usually teaches  : “ Non -  loving – attachment does not be reborn in Samsara”. So, Monks are allow to  make loving relation with lay peoples as father, mother or adopt children. Monks should cut loving relations with others and unnecessary activitives in society. Unless, monks do Dhamma works. To do so, you can enter Sammadhi through your meditation practice.
+ ARTICAL 16:
Monks wear robes properly and cleanly. Then, everyone can show respect to you. Otherwise, laypeoples consider you like beggars. If you wear ugly and dirty.
+ ARTICAL 17:
Monks ought to perform your good personality, good attitude and good behavious to everyone inside and outside of monastery. The laypeoples do not pay attention to the monks `s certificate and practice mostly. They focus on the monks `s morality and abilities.
+ ARTICAL 18:
Monks should not receive private presents from girl friends. That may create loving desires for both two. Then monks maybe disrobe one day.
+ ARTICAL 19:
Monks are not allow to let female entering Sangha room and private room. Because, everyone may doubt negative and mistrust about Sangha.
+ ARTICAL 20:
Monks are not allow to phone, to give messages, to email privatly to girl friends. Because, these are good occasions for both two to express love and sexual desires. Unless Buddhist works.
+ ARTICAL 21:
Monks are not allow to create fightings and to disunite Sangha.
+ ARTICAL 22:
Monks have to perform compassion to each other and to help each other. Monks may give advices and share experiences of cultivation. Especially, you take care of Dhamma brothers during being sickness.
    3. CONSCIOUSNESS PRACTICE
+ ARTICAL 23:
Monks must not be jealous or to dispute about money, love, position and fame, .ect. .  These may harm your Buddha nature and meditation practice.
+ ARTICAL 24:
Monks should not await for foods and donations. Do not make yourselves  as beggars in monastery.
+ ARTICAL 25:
          Monks must not look for moneys or do business for personality and family. If you want to business, then you are able to disrobe. Being a monk is to follow the Lord Buddha `s life. It means that being a monk is to study Dhamma and to practise meditation.
+ ARTICAL 26:
          Monastery is a place where everyone comes to learn Buddhism and to practise to erradicate lust, hatred, ignorance, disturbings and sufferings of Samsara. So, practitioners do not come to monastery in order to require money, materials or to struggle abbot positions and other Buddhist positions, ect. .
+ ARTICAL 27:
Monks are not allow to join in political parties or social activities which have no relation to Buddhist practices. You should use your times for study and practice of Buddhism. Particularly, to keep your mind silence.
+ ARTICAL 28:
Monks do not let the mind appearing lust, hatred and ignorant, ect..
+ ARTICAL 29:
          Monks should respect to venerable who is talent, moral and who has ability to propagate Buddhism and to maintain Triple Gems. Practitioners should not be jealousy and slander to the most Venerable aforesaid. That is not moral foundation of cultivators.
+ ARTICAL 30:
Monks must keep away from five desires such as money, female beauty, fame, materials, abbot position, society positions, ect. . Because these will break your Buddha nature and sammadhi.
+ ARTICAL 31:
          If  the ordinated one had non ability to propagate Buddhism, did not know Buddhism, did not have any practice experiences, did not look for Master for study and cultivation. But he only await for foods and donations. So, this monk was a fake monk and a real beggar. If  he does not want to change for progress. Then, he may have permission to return to layman life.
+ ARTICAL 32:
The layman learn a career in order to ear money for their lives. Monks have to learn sammatha and vipassana meditation to reflect insight in the mind in order to attain Sammadhi and wisdom.
+ ARTICAL 33:
Monks stay in Buddha `s house, eat Buddha `s foods, wear Buddha `s robes and study Buddha `s teachings. Therefore, Monks have great responsibility not to make scandals for Buddhism, for Shanga and for Congregation. Particularly, Monks let Buddhists mistrust Sangha Community. Monks have a great responsibility to maintain Triple Gems and to benefit the human beings.
Monks receive donations not to spend for personality only. You should use this donation for to maintain Triple Gems and to take care of Sangha. To do so, you are a real Buddhist Master.
+ ARTICAL 34:
The Buddha really had ability of self –enlightened and enlightened others. Monks are ordinary peoples whom have no ability of self enlightment like Buddha. Therefor, Monks should always take refuge in The Triple Gems, in Ancient Master and in Sangha.
+ ARTICAL 35:
Monks must practise self – consiousness and enlighten others. To do so, you are able to progress to achieve a Arahan, a Boddhisattva and a Buddha.
+ ARTICAL 36:
Prince Siddhatha became a Buddha by practising sila, Sammadhi and wisdom. If  Buddhist Monks do not practise like Buddha. You surely would be a living being.
 
XI. OBSTACLES FOR PRACTITIONERS OF THE PATH TO LIBERATION FROM SAMSARA
Introduction
Namo Sakyamauni Buddha!
Dear all Dharma friends!
The Buddha taught that the six realms of samsara are God realm, Demi-God realm, Human realm, Hell being realm, Hungry ghost realm, and Animals realm. These six realms are also called the world of desire. The world of desire is the place where there are men and women, also known as male and female. Why so? Because the sentient beings of this realm desire love, or in other words, the beings of this realm like craving and sexual relations (Lust). Therefore, sentient beings have two factions to satisfy their desires.
The Buddha taught: "Love is the root of birth and death samsara" Or "Immaculate love, unborn Sa Ba". Therefore, we know that because we are infected with craving, we are born in this world of desire and go through the cycle of birth and death for eternity.
Practitioners would like to follow the path of liberation from birth and death, you have to eliminate love and sex by yourselves. In order to achieve those, practitioners must live by themselves according to the discipline and precepts of the Buddha seriously. Only in this way will the practitioner attain concentration, be purified, reach Nirvana and attain Arahantship. Most practitioners were disrobed because of women and cravings. So, the meditator must observe the following:
I. Female obstacles:
Cultivate the mouth:
    1. Mouth does not lie.
    2. Mouth does not speak ill of others.
    3. Mouth does not go through this person to slander the other, through the other to speak badly of this person (Two-way tongue).
    4. Mouth does not speak evil words.
    5. Mouth does not say profanity.
    6. Mouth does not speak of love in the Sangha.
          Cultivate the body:
    1. A monk is not allowed to receive items directly with a woman. The pure donations and offerings must be placed on the table.
    2. A monk must not intentionally touch a woman's body.
    3. A monk must not let a woman touch his body.
    4. A monk must keep a distance from women.
    5. A monk is not allowed to talk privately with a woman in public, unless there is a third person.
    6. A monk is not allowed to talk to a woman in a place where no one is present.
    7. A monk is not allowed to talk on the phone back and forth with the woman or text, or send email, etc. Because this is an opportunity to develop feelings and easily express love to each other.
    8. A monk must not receive a woman's personal gift, because this is easy to generate emotions.
    9. A monk must not ask a woman to wash his robes or clothes.
    10. A monk is not allowed to pander to men and women.
    11. A monk must not go alone with a woman, even if she is a sister, because no one knows that she is a sister.
    12. A monk is not allowed to drive a woman alone unless there is an emergency.
    13. A monk is not allowed to go to a woman's house when she is alone at home.
    14. A monk must not sleep at the woman's house, when she is alone at home.
    15. A monk is not allowed to stay in hotels or motels alone, unless there is no accommodation in the case of going to Buddha's work.
    16. A monk must not go out on the street at night, unless the Buddhist's works. But it should be two peoples.
    17. A monk goes to Buddhist work outside should go with two or more people.
    18. A monk would like to go anywhere, you must have permission of Master and the Sangha.
    19. If a monk wants to do business, get married, or have sexual desires, ask Master to be secularized (a secular people).
The foregoing is a precaution to prevent the body from breaking contact with women. But the mind of craving is important, because the mind of craving is the control of body and speech. Therefore, the meditator must practice contemplation of the impure body in order to destroy the craving mind.
3. Cultivate the mind:
The practitioner must eliminate craving, then the new practitioner will attain concentration, purity, reach Nirvana and attain Arahantship. Only Arahants can end craving and samsara. Therefore, if a meditator wants to eliminate craving, he must practice contemplation of the impure body. When the meditator has not yet recognized the impure body, craving remains throughout his body and mind.
II. Obstacles of pleasure:
People who are born also have many desires to enjoy worldly pleasures such as the five desires (Money, beauty, position, eating, sleeping). Because this is the purpose of human life. Therefore, people are inherently greedy, hateful, and delusional, so they are miserable, physically defeated, and physically imprisoned because of greed, hatred, and delusion of the five worldly desires, etc. For those who practice the Holy Way or practice the Way of liberation from birth and death, the five worldly desires destroy their spiritual lives. Therefore, the meditator must avoid the enjoyment of sensual pleasures. Because they are temptations, traps, and karma that lead to reincarnation, they are obstacles for those who practice the Way. If a cultivator is infected with worldly pleasures, then this pollution will become a cause, a habit of many lives, making it difficult to attain samadhi and gain wisdom. If you want to attain samadhi, gain wisdom, you must know what are the great difficulties and obstacles?   
    1. The practitioner is greedy for money and material things.
    2. The practitioner is greedy to do business and make money in all forms.
    3. The practitioner is greedy for fame, position in religion, or in society.
    4. The practitioner desire to enjoy eating, and drinking.
    5. The practitioner love sleeping.
    6. The practitioner craves meat and fish.
    7. The practitioner is addicted to smoking.
    8. The practitioner is addicted to alcohol.
    9. The practitioner is addicted to drugs.
    10. The practitioner is addicted to gambling, betting, etc.
    11. The practitioner is bound by family affection.
    12. The practitioner is greedy for beautiful girls.
    13. The practitioner is infected with love.
    14. The practitioner is infected with sex.
    15. The practitioner was affected by sexual movies and images.
These bind the practitioner's body and mind in this life. Therefore, it is difficult for practitioners to attain concentration, and wisdom. If you want to practice the Way, you must first untie these bonds by yourself. If not, then you will waste a life of religious practice.
III. How to avoid the obstacles:
Worldly pleasures are a temptation, a trap for secular people and cultivators. Therefore, it is also difficult for a cultivator to avoid the lusts in his heart when he comes into contact with external sensual pleasures, for example, when a fire is near a straw, it suddenly turns into ashes. The Patriarchs taught that practitioners who want to cultivate the path have favorable conditions, they should avoid adversities in real life. The advantages of religious practice are as follows:
    1. The practitioner must rely on the Three Jewels, rely on the Buddha, and rely on the teachings of the Buddha. As the Buddha taught, the practitioner must follow it exactly. In this way, the meditator achieves true enlightenment.
    2. The practitioner must rely on the Master to learn the Buddhadharma and experiences in practice.
    3. The practitioner must rely on the Sangha to practice and keep their bodies pure.
    4. The practitioner must know how to respect parents, teachers and everyone. This is the basic moral foundation of ordinary people, but if you can't do it, how can you become a saint?
    5. The practitioner must absolutely keep the precepts and they must stay away from the aforementioned obstacles.
    6. The practitioner has to practice contemplation of the impure body to eliminate the craving for sex.
    7. The practitioner must contemplate impermanent of mind to gain concentration and wisdom. Thereby, the meditator hopes to eliminate defilements, suffering, greed, hatred, delusion, etc.
    8. The practitioner should live simply, gently, peacefully, then happiness will naturally appear in the mind.
These are some of the spiritual experiences of the monks who have lived in the spiritual life of liberation from samsara. Now, we would like to share it for future practitioners to learn and achieve for their study, cultivation and practice.
We hope that our advices contribute to all new practitioners in order to progress on the way to achievement of Buddhahood.
Namo Sakyamauni Buddha!
Based on Dhamma, not based on peoples,
Based on meanings, not based on words,
Based on the meaning Sutra , not based on non meaning Sutra,
Based on wisdom, not based on realizing.”
Wishing all practitioners perfect success!
Namo Buddha Shakyamuni Buddha!
Phat Linh Temple December 8, 2021
Bhikkhu Thich Hanh Dinh
 
 
“Boundless sentient beings vow to save
Endless affliction vows to break
The Dharma-door of boundless vows to study
Unsurpassed Buddhahood vows to be.”
“Pray for this merit
Towards all
Disciples and sentient beings
All are fully Buddhahood.”

Namo Shakyamuni Buddha
For free distribution only, as a gift of Dhamma

Namo Dharma Protector!
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PHAT LINH TEMPLE
248A Tan Hoa Ward, Phu My Distrist,
Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province, Viet Nam
Tel: 0254 – 3891583
Website: WWW.chuaphatlinh.com
In summer retreat at Phat Linh temple Date 06/08/2021
Compiled by: Bhikkhu Thich Hanh Dinh
Translated completely on 20 September 2021