Buddhist Clergy

A "Bhikkhu" is a fully ordained male monastic.

A "Bhikkhuni" is a fully ordained female monastic.

Typically, Buddhist clergy are defined by their extensive training, monastic lifestyle, vows, precepts undertaken, and rules of conduct contained in the Vinaya Pitaka (or "Basket of Discipline").

Refuge Vows

The official method of becoming a Lay (unordained) Buddhist is to take Refuge Vows (a.k.a. Triple Gem, Three Jewels). It follows then that Bhikkhus and Bhikkhunis have already taken these vows at some point in their life as a Buddhist. They continue to practice these vows when ordained. Versions vary slightly, but the following is one example of Refuge Vows (in English):

To the Buddha I go for refuge.

To the Dhamma I go for refuge.

To the Sangha I go for refuge.

For the second time, to the Buddha I go for refuge.

For the second time, to the Dhamma I go for refuge.

For the second time, to the Sangha I go for refuge.

For the third time, to the Buddha I go for refuge.

For the third time, to the Dhamma I go for refuge.

For the third time, to the Sangha I go for refuge.

These vows may be taken individually, or requested and received from an ordained Buddhist monastic.

Precepts

Lay Buddhists take Five Precepts along with the Refuge Vows:

1. I undertake the precept to refrain from taking the life of any living creature.

2. I undertake the precept to refrain from taking that which is not given.

3. I undertake the precept to refrain from sexual misconduct.

4. I undertake the precept to refrain from false and harmful speech.

5. I undertake the precept to refrain from consuming intoxicating drink and

drugs which lead to carelessness.

On special observance days, and often in retreats, Lay Buddhists may take or request Eight Precepts. These are the Precepts 1,2,4, and 5 above. Precept 3 (above), however, becomes:

3. I undertake the precept to refrain from any kind of sexual activity.

The following three are added:

6. I undertake the precept to refrain from eating at inappropriate times.

7. I undertake the precept to refrain from entertainment, beautification, and

adornment.

8. I undertake the precept to refrain from lying on a high or luxurious sleeping place.

An Anagarika (Lay Attendant or perhaps "Monastic Steward") in preparation to become ordained as a Bhikkhu or Bhikkhuni. An Upasaka or Upasika (a devout male or female lay follower, respectfully) typically would also undertake the Eight Precepts.

Precepts for Bhikkhus and Bhikkhunis

Ordained monastics are required to take Ten Preceptswhich are constituted of the following (or words to this effect):

1. To refrain from killing living things.

2. To refrain from stealing.

3. To refrain from sexual activity.

4. To refrain from lying.

5. To refrain from taking intoxicants.

6. To refrain from taking food at inappropriate times (after noon).

7. To refrain from singing, dancing, playing music or attending entertainment.

8. To refrain from wearing perfume, cosmetics and decorative accessories.

9. To refrain from sitting on high chairs and sleeping on luxurious, soft beds.

10. To refrain from accepting money.

Vinaya Pitaka or "Basket of Discipline"

In addition to the foregoing, the monastic community in Buddhism is required to follow an extensive "code" of conduct and discipline. There are 227 major rules for Bhikkhus and 311 major rules for Bhikkhunis.

A Note on References

Terms which appear as bolded text in the body of this answer may be used for searches in your internet search engine to lead you a wide variety of many explanations and much more detail than provided here.

If you are interested in learning more about Buddhism, you are always well advised to seek out an appropriate teacher with a Buddhist organization in your area. Any within reach are worth reaching for...

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