There is a long tradition in China of associating monkeys with the mind – symbolism that has helped the novel’s most memorable character, the Monkey King, find universal resonance.
Academic rigor, journalistic flair
Articles on Monks
Displaying all articles
Theravada Buddhism is the dominant religious system in several parts of South and Southeast Asia, but there is a rich diversity of beliefs and practices in this tradition.
Traditional ordination into a Buddhist monastic life requires meeting guidelines based on male and female genders.
Reproduction is at the very heart of evolution. So why has celibacy persisted for so long?
The late Vietnamese monk Thich Nhat Hanh popularized the contemplative practice around the world.
Piecing together the mystery of medieval chant books means studying hand-made objects from centuries ago.
Thailand’s Buddhist temples, important centers of culture and commerce, rely on donations from international visitors. Because of a steep drop in tourism, these temples have been hit hard.
In China, many Buddhists hope for birth in a buddha-land so they can complete their path under a buddha’s direct supervision.
The ancient term ‘acedia’ describes the paradoxical combination of jangling nerves and vague lack of purpose many of us are feeling now. Reviving the label might help.
Monks in Thailand are increasingly providing food and other essential items for laypeople – a reversal of traditional roles.
Buddhist monks in Thailand continue to collect alms from households, despite the threat of the coronavirus. The reason: the practice is an important part of merit-making.
Monastic tradition offers some useful advice about the value of isolation.
Buddhist monks have been chanting sutras to provide spiritual relief during the coronavirus crisis. A scholar of Buddhism translates some Buddhist teachings into ways we can deal with uncertain times.
Valentine’s Day originated as a feast to celebrate the decapitation of a third-century Christian martyr, or perhaps two. It took a gruesome path to becoming a romantic holiday.
For those wondering whether it is sinful to drink, even moderately, a scholar goes into the history of alcohol and its distillation to show how early monks and priests contributed to it.
Top contributors
-
Assistant Professor of Religious Studies, Rhodes College
-
Professor of Anthropology, UCL
-
Professor of History & Religion, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
-
Associate Professor of Patristics, Baylor University
-
Research Fellow, UCL
-
Professor of Religion, University of Vermont
-
Professor of Musicology and Music Theory, Dalhousie University
-
Professor of History, State University of New York at New Paltz
-
Research fellow, Australian Catholic University
-
Associate Professor of Religion and Culture and Religion and Culture Area Director, Catholic University of America
-
Postdoctoral research associate, Department of Music, Fountain School of Performing Arts, Dalhousie University
-
Associate Professor of Chinese Studies, College of the Holy Cross
-
Assistant Professor, Case Western Reserve University
