Being responsible Quote by Brad Warner
“Buddha was a responsible guy and believed in his monks being responsible, their responsibility would no longer be to their practice or to the sangha, but to their child because that's the only honest way to do it. You can't have it both ways. So anytime a monk would have sex, there was always that possibility and it was a very big deal.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Brad Warner on Buddhist monastic ethics, 2018
Monks should extend their responsibility beyond practice to caring for their children, making honesty and accountability central, and sexual activity is viewed as a serious breach of that duty.
In simple terms: Monks must be responsible parents, not just practitioners.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize honesty and responsibility in all roles.
Themes
responsibility
ethics
family
Buddhism
honesty
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- counseling
- personal reflection
- community discussions
Key Concepts
monastic discipline
parental duty
sexual ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- Can a monk truly fulfill both spiritual and parental duties?
- What support systems help reconcile these responsibilities?
A Different Perspective
Balancing monastic vows with family obligations can be complex.
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