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both the Vajrayāna, and especially the Chinese All Vinaya schools derive from the original eighteen
Mahāyāna monks should have even more constraints schools of early Buddhism and ultimately came from
than Theravāda monks but in practice they appear to be the Buddha himself. The motivation to take monastic
more liberal. This is probably because of a bodhisattva ordination must be the aspiration to be free from
precept that allows them to override the Prātimoksha saṃsāra, which is common to all Buddhist practitioners.
rules according to their ‘compassionate discretion’. Therefore, there is no “Mahāyāna Vinaya.”

The relevance of the rules for the laity is that they serve In addition, Vajrayāna Buddhism is a branch of
to draw a line between the monastics and the laity—one Mahāyāna Buddhism, not separate from it. Vajrayāna
that fosters mutual trust and self integrity and a healthy Buddhism is practiced after one has a thorough
interdependence of material support and spiritual grounding in the fundamental vehicle and the teachings
guidance. of the four noble truths, the bodhisattva vehicle and
st
an altruistic bodhicitta aspiration. As 21 century
Min Wei: The interpretation and application of the Buddhists, intra-Buddhist dialogue is imperative for
Vinaya vary significantly across Mahāyāna, Theravāda, recognizing and correcting erroneous conceptions we
and Vajrayāna traditions of Buddhism. In Theravāda, hold about other traditions and enriches our respect for
the Vinaya is meticulously followed, considered the each tradition!
literal word of the Buddha, and serves as a guide
for individual liberation through strict adherence to Regarding the relevance of monastic life to the laity,
monastic rules. Mahāyāna traditions, while respecting when monastics live simply, ethically, and fully devoted
the Vinaya, interpret it more flexibly to adapt to to Dharma study and practice—regardless of their
diverse cultural contexts and evolving societal norms. tradition—the laity will naturally support them as a
Emphasis shifts towards the Bodhisattva ideal, refuge and inspiration for their practice.
extending liberation aspirations to all beings. Vajrayāna
upholds the Vinaya within monastic communities but Considering the cultural diversity of modern
integrates tantric practices and esoteric teachings society, how can the Vinaya be presented in a way
for swift enlightenment. Despite these differences, that is culturally sensitive and adaptable without
commonalities exist in their understanding of Vinaya’s compromising its core ethical principles?
relevance to the laity.
Aggacitta: Modern societies today are very aware of the
Across traditions, ethical conduct is paramount, multicultural and cosmopolitan nature of our planet,
promoting harmony and virtuous living. Lay followers thanks to the internet and convenience of travel and
believe in accumulating merit through supporting communication through advances in technology. People
monastic communities and practicing generosity, are more tolerant and accepting of cultural differences
fostering spiritual growth. Additionally, the Vinaya provided they are not biased towards political
underscores the interdependence between monastics instigation or motives. In such a milieu it is easier to
and laypeople, emphasizing community support and the impress upon Buddhist devotees the importance of
mutual exchange of spiritual guidance and teachings. understanding monastic rules pertaining to the laity
in order to help the monastics maintain their moral
Tsepal: Terms such as “Theravāda, Mahāyāna and purity. This will not only increase the merits gained by
Vajrayāna” to represent the main Buddhist traditions is supporting virtuous monastics but will also contribute
misleading. There is a distinction between one’s Vinaya to the perpetuation of the true Dhamma.
tradition and one’s practice tradition.