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The term 'monk' originates from the Latin word 'monachus', which itself derives from the Greek 'monachos', signifying 'solitary' or 'alone'.
Answer: True
The term 'monk' is derived from the Greek word 'monachos', meaning 'single' or 'solitary', which was subsequently adopted into Latin as 'monachus'.
A monk is typically defined as an individual dedicated to a life of prayer and contemplation, often living separately from secular society.
Answer: True
The definition of a monk generally involves dedication to a life of prayer, contemplation, and often a separation from the routines and concerns of secular society.
The term 'monk' in English exclusively refers to males, with no historical or linguistic overlap for females.
Answer: False
While 'monk' is predominantly used for males in English, the original Greek term 'monachos' could historically apply to both men and women living a solitary or religious life. The specific term for female monastics is 'nun'.
What is the etymological root of the word 'monk', and what does it signify?
Answer: Greek 'monachos', meaning 'single' or 'solitary'
The term 'monk' originates from the Greek word 'monachos', which signifies 'single' or 'solitary'. This etymology reflects the often secluded nature of the monastic life.
Which term is generally used in English for female monastics, although the original Greek term could apply to both genders?
Answer: Nun
In contemporary English, 'nun' is the standard term for female monastics, whereas the original Greek term 'monachos' could historically encompass both genders dedicated to a religious life.
In Theravada Buddhism, a monk is called a 'bhikkhu' and follows a discipline known as the 'Vinaya'.
Answer: True
The term for a monk in Theravada Buddhism is 'bhikkhu', and their code of discipline is part of the 'Vinaya', a comprehensive collection of rules and regulations.
Theravada Buddhist monks sustain themselves by explicitly asking for food donations during their morning almsround, a practice called 'pindapata'.
Answer: False
Theravada Buddhist monks sustain themselves through 'pindapata', a practice of morning almsrounds where they receive food donations. However, they are guided not to explicitly ask for food, relying instead on the generosity of the community.
Both novice and fully ordained monks in Theravada Buddhism are permitted to eat at any time of day.
Answer: False
In Theravada Buddhism, both novice monks (samaneras) and fully ordained monks (bhikkhus) are generally expected to eat only during the morning hours, adhering to specific disciplinary guidelines regarding meals.
A bhikkhu in Theravada Buddhism is traditionally limited to possessing only four essential items besides their robes.
Answer: True
A bhikkhu in Theravada Buddhism is traditionally permitted to possess only four essential items in addition to their robes: a razor, a sewing needle, an alms bowl, and a water strainer.
In Mahayana Buddhism, the term 'Sangha' strictly refers to all ordained monks and nuns.
Answer: False
In Mahayana Buddhism, the term 'Sangha' often refers more broadly to those who have attained certain spiritual insights or realizations, not exclusively to ordained monks and nuns.
The Tibetan term 'gelong' in Vajrayana Buddhism is equivalent to the Sanskrit term 'bikshu'.
Answer: True
The Tibetan term 'gelong' (*dge long*), used in Vajrayana Buddhism, is indeed the equivalent of the Sanskrit term *bikshu*, and is comparable to the Pali term *bhikkhu* found in Theravada Buddhism.
In Theravada Buddhism, the Sangha is considered the second element of the 'Triple Gem'.
Answer: False
In Theravada Buddhism, the Sangha is the third element of the 'Triple Gem', following the Buddha and the Dhamma (teachings).
In Theravada Buddhism, what is the specific term for a monk, and what is the name of their core disciplinary code?
Answer: Bhikkhu and Vinaya
In Theravada Buddhism, a monk is called a 'bhikkhu', and their core disciplinary code is known as the 'Vinaya'.
How do Theravada Buddhist monks sustain themselves, and what is this practice called?
Answer: Daily morning almsround; 'Pindapata'
Theravada Buddhist monks sustain themselves through 'pindapata', a practice involving a daily morning almsround where they receive food donations from the community.
Which of the following is NOT one of the four essential items traditionally permitted to a bhikkhu besides their robes?
Answer: A prayer mat
The four essential items traditionally permitted to a bhikkhu are a razor, a sewing needle, an alms bowl, and a water strainer. A prayer mat is not among these items.
What distinguishes the Mahayana Buddhist definition of 'Sangha' from the common monastic definition?
Answer: It refers to those who have attained specific spiritual insights, not necessarily ordained monks.
In Mahayana Buddhism, 'Sangha' often denotes a community of enlightened beings or those who have achieved significant spiritual realization, extending beyond solely ordained monastics.
In Theravada Buddhism, the Sangha is part of the 'Triple Gem'. What are the three components?
Answer: Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha
The 'Triple Gem' or 'Three Jewels' in Theravada Buddhism consists of the Buddha, the Dhamma (his teachings), and the Sangha (the community of followers, particularly the monastic order).
Benedict of Nursia is credited with establishing Eastern monasticism.
Answer: False
Benedict of Nursia is widely recognized as the founder and principal figure of Western monasticism, not Eastern monasticism.
The Rule of Saint Benedict outlines promises of stability, conversion of life, and obedience for monks.
Answer: True
The Rule of Saint Benedict emphasizes three core promises for monks: stability (commitment to a specific monastery), conversion of life (dedication to the monastic path), and obedience (submission to the monastic superior).
Poverty, chastity, and obedience are the three solemn vows standard for many Catholic religious orders.
Answer: True
Poverty, chastity, and obedience are indeed the three traditional solemn vows taken by members of many Catholic religious orders, signifying a complete dedication to God and service.
In Western Christianity, the initial stage of becoming a monk involves being a 'novice' before becoming a 'postulant'.
Answer: False
The typical sequence in Western Christianity involves a period as a 'postulant' first, followed by a 'novitiate' if the postulant is accepted into the order.
The daily life of a Western monk typically includes prayer, spiritual reading, and manual labor.
Answer: True
The daily routine for monks in Western monasticism commonly encompasses communal prayer (such as the Liturgy of the Hours), spiritual reading (*lectio divina*), and manual labor necessary for the community's sustenance and operation.
Historically, 'lay brothers' in Catholic monasteries were primarily responsible for leading the chanting of the Divine Office.
Answer: False
Historically, 'lay brothers' in Catholic monasteries were primarily tasked with manual labor and the practical management of the monastery, while 'choir monks' (often ordained) were responsible for the liturgical chanting of the Divine Office.
The Second Vatican Council reinforced the strict separation between the roles of choir monks and lay brothers.
Answer: False
The Second Vatican Council led to a deemphasis of the strict separation between choir monks and lay brothers, making participation in the Divine Office more accessible to all members regardless of ordination status.
Monks primarily focus on contemplative life within a monastery, while friars engage in active ministry outside.
Answer: True
This statement accurately distinguishes between monks, who typically lead a contemplative life within monastic walls, and friars, who are generally engaged in active ministry and service within the broader community.
The Benedictines and Cistercians are examples of friar orders within Western Christianity.
Answer: False
The Benedictines and Cistercians are classified as monastic orders, characterized by a contemplative life within monasteries. Friar orders, such as the Franciscans and Dominicans, are distinct in their focus on active ministry outside the monastery.
The Dominicans and Franciscans are major orders of friars.
Answer: True
The Dominicans (Order of Preachers) and Franciscans (Order of Friars Minor) are indeed two of the most prominent and historically significant orders of friars in Western Christianity.
The 'mixed life' for Anglican monks involves solely contemplative prayer without any external activities.
Answer: False
The 'mixed life' practiced by many Anglican monks integrates contemplative prayer with active ministry, combining spiritual devotion with external service and engagement.
The Saint Brigid of Kildare Monastery is a double monastery belonging to the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Answer: False
The Saint Brigid of Kildare Monastery is a double monastery rooted in the Benedictine tradition but belongs to the United Methodist Church, not the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Benedict of Nursia authored the 'Rule of Saint Benedict', a foundational text for Western monasticism.
Answer: True
Benedict of Nursia is credited with authoring the 'Rule of Saint Benedict', a seminal work that provided a comprehensive framework for monastic life and significantly influenced Western monastic traditions.
*Lectio divina* is a monastic practice involving the active, rapid reading of scripture.
Answer: False
*Lectio divina*, or 'divine reading', is a practice of slow, contemplative meditation on scripture, aimed at fostering spiritual insight and connection with God, rather than rapid reading.
Who is recognized as the primary figure in establishing the framework for Western monasticism?
Answer: Benedict of Nursia
Benedict of Nursia is widely regarded as the father of Western monasticism, primarily due to his influential 'Rule of Saint Benedict'.
Which of the following is NOT one of the three core promises outlined in the Rule of Saint Benedict?
Answer: Poverty
The Rule of Saint Benedict emphasizes stability, conversion of life, and obedience. Poverty, chastity, and obedience are the three solemn vows typically associated with many Catholic religious orders, but not exclusively the core promises of the Rule of St. Benedict.
What are the three solemn vows that became standard for many Catholic religious orders?
Answer: Poverty, Chastity, Obedience
The three solemn vows that became standard for many Catholic religious orders are poverty, chastity, and obedience, representing a complete dedication to religious life.
What is the typical sequence of the initial stages for becoming a monk in Western Christianity?
Answer: Postulant, then Novice
The usual progression for aspiring monks in Western Christianity begins with a period as a postulant, followed by a novitiate if accepted.
Which of the following activities is a typical component of the daily life of a monk in Western monasticism?
Answer: Participating in the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office)
The Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office, is a structured cycle of daily prayer central to the life of monks in Western monasticism.
Historically, what was the primary role of 'lay brothers' in Catholic monasteries?
Answer: Performing manual labor and managing practical needs
Historically, lay brothers in Catholic monasteries were primarily responsible for the manual labor and the practical, day-to-day operations of the community.
How did the Second Vatican Council affect the traditional distinction between choir monks and lay brothers?
Answer: It led to a deemphasis of the distinction, allowing broader participation.
The Second Vatican Council influenced a deemphasis of the strict separation between choir monks and lay brothers, facilitating broader participation in monastic life and liturgy.
What is the key difference between the lifestyle of monks and friars in Western Christianity?
Answer: Monks live in seclusion; friars live in active ministry outside.
The primary distinction is that monks generally lead a contemplative life within monastic communities, while friars are typically engaged in active ministry and service in the wider world.
Which of the following is classified as a monastic order, not an order of friars?
Answer: Benedictines
The Benedictines are a classic example of a monastic order, focused on contemplative life within monasteries, whereas Franciscans, Dominicans, and Augustinians are major orders of friars.
Which of these is a major order of friars in Western Christianity?
Answer: Capuchins
The Capuchins are a major branch of the Franciscan order and are considered a significant order of friars. Carthusians, Trappists, and Cistercians are monastic orders.
The 'mixed life' practiced by many Anglican monks involves a combination of:
Answer: Contemplative prayer and active ministry
The 'mixed life' for Anglican monks integrates contemplative prayer with active engagement in ministry and service to the community.
The primary spiritual goal in Eastern Orthodox monasticism is *theosis*, the process of becoming united with God.
Answer: True
*Theosis*, the concept of deification or union with God, is indeed the central spiritual objective pursued by monastics in the Eastern Orthodox tradition through ascetic practices and prayer.
Eastern Orthodox monasticism strictly follows a single codified rule, similar to the Rule of Saint Benedict.
Answer: False
Eastern Orthodox monasticism does not adhere to a single codified rule like the Rule of Saint Benedict. Instead, it draws guidance from the teachings of Church Fathers, the Philokalia, and established traditions.
Anchoritic, cenobitic, and skete are the three main forms of Eastern Orthodox monasticism.
Answer: True
The primary forms of Eastern Orthodox monasticism are anchoritic (solitary), cenobitic (communal), and skete (semi-communal or small communities).
Eastern Orthodox monks cut their hair regularly after their tonsure to signify humility.
Answer: False
In Eastern Orthodox monastic tradition, monks and nuns typically do not cut their hair after tonsure, symbolizing a lifelong consecration to God and renunciation of worldly vanity.
Rassophore, Stavrophore, and Great Schema are the three progressive ranks in Eastern Orthodox monasticism.
Answer: True
These three terms represent the progressive stages or ranks within Eastern Orthodox monasticism after the initial novitiate: Rassophore (Robe-bearer), Stavrophore (Cross-bearer, or Little Schema), and the Great Schema (Megaloschemos).
The *paramandyas* worn by a Stavrophore monk symbolizes the monk's worldly possessions.
Answer: False
The *paramandyas* worn by a Stavrophore monk symbolizes the 'yoke of Christ' and their commitment to their faith, often depicted with instruments of the Passion, rather than worldly possessions.
Eastern Orthodox monks are typically addressed as 'Brother' by everyone, including laypeople.
Answer: False
While monks often address each other as 'Brother', laypeople typically address Orthodox monks as 'Father'. Elders may be addressed as 'Gheronda' or 'Starets'.
Bishops in the Eastern Orthodox Church must be chosen from the monastic clergy.
Answer: True
Canonical requirements in the Eastern Orthodox Church mandate that bishops must be selected from among the monastic clergy, emphasizing a life dedicated to spiritual discipline.
*Theosis* in Eastern Orthodoxy refers to the process of achieving union with God.
Answer: True
*Theosis* is a central concept in Eastern Orthodox theology, denoting the process of deification or achieving union with God through spiritual transformation and divine grace.
What is the primary spiritual objective pursued in Eastern Orthodox monasticism?
Answer: Attaining *theosis* (union with God)
*Theosis*, the process of becoming united with God, is the central spiritual aim of Eastern Orthodox monasticism.
Which of the following is NOT one of the three main forms of Eastern Orthodox monasticism?
Answer: Monastic (rule-based)
The three main forms are anchoritic (solitary), cenobitic (communal), and skete (semi-communal). 'Monastic' is a general term, not a specific form in this classification.
What does the tradition of Eastern Orthodox monks never cutting their hair after tonsure symbolize?
Answer: Renunciation of vanity and lifelong consecration to God
The practice of not cutting hair after tonsure symbolizes a monk's lifelong dedication to God and a renunciation of worldly vanity, akin to the ancient Nazarite tradition.
In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, what does the *paramandyas* symbolize for a Stavrophore monk?
Answer: The 'yoke of Christ' and commitment
The *paramandyas* worn by a Stavrophore monk symbolizes the 'yoke of Christ', representing their commitment and the spiritual burden they carry.
What is the canonical requirement for bishops in the Eastern Orthodox Church concerning their past life?
Answer: They must be chosen from among the monastic clergy.
Canonical law in the Eastern Orthodox Church requires that bishops be selected from the monastic clergy, emphasizing a life of spiritual discipline and dedication.
What is *theosis* in the context of Eastern Orthodox Christianity?
Answer: The process of becoming like God, or union with God.
*Theosis* is a core theological concept in Eastern Orthodoxy, referring to the process of deification or achieving union with God through spiritual transformation.
Adi Shankara established the Dashanami Sampradaya orders within Hinduism.
Answer: True
The influential philosopher Adi Shankara is credited with establishing the Dashanami Sampradaya, a monastic tradition within Hinduism.
The *ashta matha* founded by Madhvacharya are responsible for worshipping Lord Krishna in a continuous, non-rotating cycle.
Answer: False
The *ashta matha* founded by Madhvacharya operate on a rotating system, known as the *Paryaya* ritual, where worship duties for Lord Krishna are passed among the monasteries every fourteen years.
In ISKCON, a Brahmacari monk can aspire to the stage of *sannyasa* after reaching the age of 50.
Answer: True
Within the ISKCON tradition, a Brahmacari monk who reaches the age of 50 is eligible to aspire to the stage of *sannyasa*, representing a higher level of spiritual commitment.
Jain monks and nuns take five vows, including non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, non-possession, and generosity.
Answer: False
Jain monks and nuns undertake five fundamental vows: non-violence (*ahimsa*), truthfulness, non-stealing, non-possession (or non-attachment to material goods), and celibacy. Generosity is not one of these five core vows.
Jain ascetics practice non-violence by avoiding root vegetables and carrying a special broom.
Answer: True
Jain ascetics rigorously practice non-violence (*ahimsa*) by avoiding harm to living beings, which includes abstaining from root vegetables and using a broom to gently clear paths.
Jain ascetics travel barefoot and limit stays to one location to avoid forming attachments.
Answer: True
Traveling barefoot and limiting stays in one place are practices undertaken by Jain ascetics to minimize attachment to material possessions and locations, aligning with their vows of non-possession.
*Santhara* or *Sallekhana* is a Jain practice involving voluntary fasting when death is imminent.
Answer: True
*Santhara* or *Sallekhana* is a specific Jain vow involving voluntary fasting, undertaken by ascetics when they perceive death to be near, as a means to detach from the body and achieve liberation.
Acharya, Upadhyaya, and Muni are the primary ranks for Jain monks in both major traditions.
Answer: True
The ranks of Acharya (leader), Upadhyaya (teacher), and Muni (monk) are indeed the primary hierarchical designations for Jain monks recognized across both the Śvetāmbara and Digambara traditions.
Jain ascetics practice non-violence by avoiding root vegetables and carrying a special broom.
Answer: False
While Jain ascetics do practice non-violence, the statement that Digambara monks consume multiple meals and cook their own food is incorrect. They adhere to strict dietary rules, including avoiding root vegetables, and typically consume only one meal per day, often solicited from householders.
Both Śvetāmbara and Digambara monks practice nudity as a core tenet.
Answer: False
Nudity is a core tenet practiced by male Digambara monks. Śvetāmbara monks, however, wear unstitched white robes.
Jain ascetics seek liberation from *Nirvana*.
Answer: False
Jain ascetics strive to achieve liberation, known as *Moksha* or *Kevala Jnana*, which is release from the cycle of *samsara*. *Nirvana* is a related concept of liberation, but the phrasing 'liberation from Nirvana' is inaccurate; they seek liberation *to* such a state.
Who established the Dashanami Sampradaya orders within Hinduism?
Answer: Adi Shankara
Adi Shankara, a prominent philosopher, established the Dashanami Sampradaya, a significant monastic order within Hinduism.
What is the *Paryaya* ritual associated with the *ashta matha* founded by Madhvacharya?
Answer: A fourteen-year rotation of worship duties
The *Paryaya* ritual is a system of rotation established for the *ashta matha* (Eight Monasteries) founded by Madhvacharya, where each monastery assumes the duty of worshipping Lord Krishna for a period of fourteen years.
Which of the following is one of the five fundamental vows taken by Jain monks and nuns?
Answer: Non-violence
Non-violence (*ahimsa*) is one of the five fundamental vows (*mahavratas*) undertaken by Jain monks and nuns, alongside truthfulness, non-stealing, non-possession, and celibacy.
Why do Jain ascetics limit their stay in one location to a maximum of two months, except during the monsoon?
Answer: To prevent forming attachments to places or possessions
Jain ascetics limit their stays in one location to minimize attachment to places and possessions, a practice central to their renunciation. The exception is the monsoon season (*chaturmaas*), when they remain stationary to avoid harming increased life forms.
What is the Jain practice of *Santhara* or *Sallekhana*?
Answer: A vow of voluntary fasting for a detached death
*Santhara* or *Sallekhana* is a Jain practice involving voluntary fasting, undertaken by ascetics when death is imminent, to achieve a peaceful and detached end.
What is a key dietary restriction for Jain ascetics?
Answer: They exclude root vegetables.
A significant dietary restriction for Jain ascetics is the exclusion of root vegetables, due to the principle of non-violence, as harvesting them involves harming the entire plant and potentially microorganisms in the soil.
What is the main difference in possessions between Śvetāmbara and Digambara monks?
Answer: Śvetāmbara monks wear robes; Digambara monks practice nudity.
The primary difference lies in attire: Śvetāmbara monks wear white robes, while male Digambara monks practice nudity as part of their asceticism.
What is the Jain concept of *samsara*?
Answer: The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth
*Samsara* is the Jain concept representing the continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, from which ascetics seek liberation (*Moksha*).
Chinese Buddhist monks, especially those from the Shaolin Monastery, are commonly associated with practicing martial arts.
Answer: True
The association between Chinese Buddhist monks, particularly those affiliated with the Shaolin Monastery, and the practice of martial arts (Kung Fu) is a well-established cultural and historical connection.
Chinese Buddhist monks mark their ordination by burning incense onto their feet.
Answer: False
Chinese Buddhist monks traditionally mark their ordination by burning incense onto their scalp or skin, signifying their commitment, rather than onto their feet.
In Thailand and Burma, it is a common cultural practice for boys to temporarily live as monks.
Answer: True
It is a widespread cultural tradition in countries such as Thailand and Burma for young boys to spend a period of time living as monks in a monastery, often as a rite of passage.
During the 1920s, Mongolian monks constituted a small minority of the male population, numbering only a few thousand.
Answer: False
In the 1920s, Mongolian monks represented a significant portion of the male population, numbering approximately 110,000, which was about one-third of all males.
Loccum Abbey and Amelungsborn Abbey ceased to exist after the Protestant Reformation.
Answer: False
Loccum Abbey and Amelungsborn Abbey are notable examples of monastic institutions that continued to exist and function even after the Protestant Reformation, maintaining their presence into modern times.
King Henry VIII's break from the Catholic Church led to the destruction of English monasteries.
Answer: True
King Henry VIII's separation from the Catholic Church resulted in the Dissolution of the Monasteries in England, a period during which monastic properties were confiscated and many monastic institutions were destroyed.
The Melanesian Brotherhood is the largest Anglican religious community globally.
Answer: True
Founded in 1925, the Melanesian Brotherhood is recognized as the largest Anglican religious community worldwide, with significant presence in Melanesian countries and extensions into other regions.
The association of Chinese Buddhist monks with which practice is particularly strong, especially concerning the Shaolin Monastery?
Answer: Martial arts (Kung Fu)
Chinese Buddhist monks, particularly those associated with the Shaolin Monastery, are widely known for their practice and mastery of martial arts, commonly referred to as Kung Fu.
What distinctive ritual do Chinese Buddhist monks perform as a visible sign of their ordination commitment?
Answer: Burning marks onto their scalp or skin
A traditional ritual marking ordination for Chinese Buddhist monks involves burning incense marks onto their scalp or skin, symbolizing their dedication to the monastic path.
In which countries is it a common cultural practice for boys to spend time living as monks?
Answer: Thailand and Burma
In Thailand and Burma (Myanmar), it is a common cultural practice for boys to enter monasteries and live as monks for a period, often as a rite of passage or religious education.
Approximately how many monks were in Mongolia during the 1920s, representing what fraction of the male population?
Answer: 110,000 monks, about 1/3rd of the male population
During the 1920s, Mongolia had approximately 110,000 monks, constituting about one-third of the total male population at that time.
What historical event led to the suppression of monastic life in England, and how was it later revived?
Answer: The Protestant Reformation led by Henry VIII; revival through the Anglo-Catholic Movement
King Henry VIII's break from the Catholic Church led to the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Monastic life was later revived in England through the Anglo-Catholic Movement in the 19th century.