2007-08-20 12:29:45 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
i don't think you can generalise about this.
2007-08-20 12:47:12 · answer #1 · answered by Dan H 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It really depends on the monk. Some monks or renounciates are just disinterested in the material world and sex life. They are only interested in self realization and their eternal relationship with God. But many other use an institution to be lazy or give up on life and really ain't so spiritually inclined. I have found in general that after a certain point many monks get married and life a common life. Which is good if they are being honest with themselves. Sometimes monkhood is a stage one goes through.
2007-08-20 13:15:39 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Monks are "retired" from the world, it does not mean that they can't cope with life (why is OUR live more "real" than theirs?).
Buddhist monks, for example, are very aware of their "real" surroundings and they practise charity on a scale that they can afford, accounting for their meagre resources.
Now, if you want to know who is more "spiritual" you should give a definition, or at least say what are the criteria for being "spiritual".
If for one criteria, I believe that monks have more inner life that the AVERAGE people, because
1. they are not submitted to the media, to politics etc. and
2. they have plenty of time to meditate, to try to know themselves (or pray, which is not the same at all because in prayers they search their God).
2007-08-20 21:20:10 · answer #3 · answered by jacquesh2001 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The monk has mastered that which the average person is loathe to consider. The monk does not fear being alone. The monk does not fear rejection. Leading lives of isolation and spirituality comes about when we end our dependence on others. If you don't fear rejection, spending time alone to accomplish inner peace is completely possible. Few are willing to accept even the thought that they have a fear, let alone the fear of aloneness. to that I would add, we are the species that consider isolation or solitary confinement as a punishment.
The monk can consider it a blessing.
2007-08-20 13:43:26 · answer #4 · answered by guru 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Monks are not more spiritual. Nor are they hiding unable to cope.
We are all spiritual beings. Monks are just more intouch with the spirit within themselves and in us than we are. They give their thoughts and being over to their spiritual development. Any one of us who are so called will find it an impossible task to resist giving all our time and energy to the task.
2007-08-20 12:47:10 · answer #5 · answered by livemoreamply 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think that communal living must be attractive to them. I don't think this is really hiding from real life. They may be anti-societal deep in their hearts, or they may find the 'real world' too much of a distraction to them in their pursuit of spirituality. Either way, I do know that they have to work hard, i.e., farming, gardening, etc.
2007-08-20 12:41:30 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Simple it all depends on the individual . which monk - more or less spititual than who ? how would you measure spirituality ?
There are far too many variables to give anything approaching a concise answer !
2007-08-20 14:11:51 · answer #7 · answered by Sara 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it depends on the monk...
...some are probably very spiritual, and others are probably running away from something.
However they get extended cable, their own minibars, a company car, and all-you-can-eat dinners served by scantily clad waitresses (who give as many tips as they receive), so even if they are hiding from real-life, who can blame them?
2007-08-20 12:45:42 · answer #8 · answered by Boris the Oval Banana 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think they are more spiritual, and I know it can be difficult to be in the real world and be spiritual at all times. We can only be the best we can be in any given moment. I spend most of my days in an altered state of reality, and very grateful that my life permits this luxury.
2007-08-20 12:46:55 · answer #9 · answered by Kerensa 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Neither, I think. A monastic life is difficult....its no cakewalk. They are people, like anyone else, with wants, needs and desires, like anyone else. They are simply more focused on the spiritual, devote themselves to seeking it. They choose it, it doesn't choose them. In some ways, they are more capable of dealing with life than your average Joe is....by choosing to devote themselves to selfless acts, piety, humility, poverty they are coping in a very personal way with what everyone else complains about.
2007-08-20 12:58:30 · answer #10 · answered by aidan402 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, they believe in different things I do, but they probably are a lot more spiritual than me in a sense.
I wouldn't consider them to be hiding...
I think its just where they can be at peace...
Which isn't easy to find in "real life"...
2007-08-20 12:37:46 · answer #11 · answered by :) 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋