Throughout history, clothing has often symbolized far more than simple fashion or protection from the elements. In medieval and early modern Europe, garments worn by different social classes and professions carried deep cultural significance and conveyed social messages. One fascinating and peculiar garment is the so-called “Fool’s Coat”, som
Causes and Contributing Factors
Several factors contribute to misconduct among Buddhist monks: Human Fallibility: Despite monastic training, monks are still human and prone to weaknesses like greed, desire, anger, and ignorance. Power and Status: Monks often hold considerable social influence and access to wealth, which can tempt unethical behavior. Lack of Oversi
Misconduct in Medieval and Later Periods
As Buddhism spread across Asia—reaching countries like Sri Lanka, Tibet, China, Japan, Thailand, and Myanmar—variations of monastic discipline emerged. Political, social, and cultural factors sometimes influenced monks’ behavior and the degree of adherence to the Vinaya. The Decline of Monastic Discipline During certain historical periods,
The History of Misconduct Among Buddhist Monks
Buddhism, founded over 2,500 years ago by Siddhartha Gautama—the Buddha—has long been associated with principles of morality, compassion, and disciplined spiritual practice. Central to Buddhist teachings is the concept of S?la (moral conduct), which governs the behavior of both lay followers and ordained monks (bhikkhus). However, throughout hi