In this excellent talk - the last in a series of three - Subhuti discusses the development of semi-monastic institutions within the Triratna Buddhist Order as an alternative to traditional monasticism, allowing people to live and work together in order to deeply experience and practice the Dharma. With his usual passion and clarity he evokes participation in this "semi-monastic environment" as a radical alternative to the alienation and exploitation often encountered living and working in conventional society.
The Five Factors of Semi-Monasticism
Subhuti outlines five relevant factors as embodied in these aspects of living a Dharma life:
- Brahmacharya (overcoming polarization)
- Detachment from possessions
- Simplicity of lifestyle
- Transforming one's life purpose to service
- Communal living
Overcoming polarization
Subhuti reminds us that Buddhist practice aims to transcend all fixed identities and polarities, as exemplified by the Buddha rejecting limited categories when asked about his own nature. Meditation and other Buddhist practices can lessen the sense of a fixed divide between self and other.
Detachment from possessions
He then explores how identifying ourselves by way of our possessions actually binds us, in contrasting with the Buddha's simple life with few belongings. The semi-monastic path means disentangling from attachment to things and money.
Simplicity of lifestyle
Modern life is increasingly complex and mediated by screens of one kind or another, which can cause alienation. Spiritual progress requires simplicity and grounding in immediate experience.
A life of service
Instead of pursuing a career for identity, we have the chance as Buddhists to re-orient our life's purpose towards serving something greater - the Dharma - through institutions that benefit others.
Communal living
Residential Buddhist communities provide an opportunity to go beyond narrow self-identity by deeply engaging with others who share the same values, and sense of commitment to them, in a supportive environment.
Talk given at the London Buddhist Centre, May 2024.
