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Most Buddhist monks could easily get under the "15 things" limit-- the standard list of possessions is: three robes, an alms bowl, a cloth belt, a needle and thread, a razor for shaving the head, and a water filter.


And a dog just needs a stick. I don't think it's about competition.


Also, they have all other things provided for them without actually owning them.


that's pretty good. source? with a wish-list like that what do they need alms for? I couldn't live without a toothbrush though.


The list mentioned is repeated here: http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/ariyesako/layguid...

I've heard this list other places too but don't have a source. The four requisites mentioned on that page are what I typically think of.


toothpaste and toothbrush are definitely medical then, as a dentist definitely is in the field of medicine, and if you don't use them your teeth rot and fall out. oral-B is definitely a medical brand. "warding off disease" simply and clearly covers this, then. Thanks for the informative link.


The money they are given probably helps buy food, since not even the magical Buddhist monks can survive without at least a little rice.


Actually, according to the Buddhist monastic code they aren't allowed to have money. I know a very large number (probably the majority) of monks these days do accept money but I know of and have lived with those that don't. In the communities that respect the Vinaya[1] there are 227 rules that fully ordained monks are supposed to follow. Novices have ten rules[2] and one of them is not to handle money.

[1]http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/thanissaro/bmc1/b...

[2]http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/dhamma/sila/dasasila.html


Well I guess that's what I get for jumping to the conclusion that alms = money.




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