Disciples of the great sage, the Buddha, do not necessarily have to renounce the secular life; they can also remain lay practitioners. Generally, there are five classes of monastic disciples and two classes of lay disciples; in total, they are called“the Seven Classes of Disciples.” Furthermore, the disciples of the great sage, the Buddha, are not merely men, there are also women. It is said that “The Four Castes, once ordained, share the surname of Sakya.” No matter men or women, poor or rich, noble or lowly, as long as they believe in the Buddha's teachings, they are called children of the Buddha.

Now, let's described the Seven Classes of Disciples:

1.Bhiksu: This refers to a monk who upholds the full precepts of two hundred and fifty (upasajpanna).“Bhiksu”is Sanskrit for “almsman.” He begs upward for the Buddha's teachings in order to nourish his wisdom-life{1}, and begs downward for the foods of sentient beings in order to support his physical body. He shaves his hair and wears clothes dyed to ragged colors; and then takes on the responsibility of preserving the true Dharma. He is able to eradicate his own defilements as well as frighten the Mara king and heretics. A bhiksu is really the teacher of human beings and celestials.


[Key word]

1.Wisdom-life   :  慧命