Choosing Simplicity discusses the precepts and lifestyle of fully ordained nuns within the Buddhist tradition. The ordination vows act as guidelines to promote harmony both within the individual and within the community by regulating and thereby simplifying one's relationships to other sangha members and laypeople, as well as to possessions, food, clothing, and shelter. More than a handbook for a Buddhist monastic life, this text offers guidelines to all who wish to conduct their day-to day lives more mindfully. Those who have not chosen to dwell in a religious community still need to live peacefully with their neighbours. Being clear about boundaries, motivations, and how actions may be interpreted by others can be helpful.
Choosing Simplicity: A Commentary on the Bhikshuni Pratimoksha, Ven. Bhikshuni Wu Yin, Snow Lion Publications, Paperback, 338 pages, $24.95
Venerable Bhikshuni Wu Yin received her novice vows in 1957 and her bhikshuni vows in 1959. She is the leader of the Luminary International Buddhist Society, which oversees study programs for nuns and laypeople, as well as translation and publishing projects.
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Foreword: A Message from Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche
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7
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Editor's Preface
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13
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A Contemporary Cultural Perspective on Monastic Life
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27
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The Motivation for and the Benefits of Monastic Ordination
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39
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The Importance of the Precepts
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47
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An Overview of the Vinaya
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63
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The Members of the Sangha
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73
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Joining the Sangha
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91
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Poshadha: Purifying and Restoring Our Precepts
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111
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The Boundaries for Remaining a Monastic
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131
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Working with Attachment: Root Precepts Regarding Sexual Contact
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147
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The Sticky Nature of Attachment: More Precepts Concerning Sexual and Physical Conduct
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161
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Taking What Has Not Been Freely Given: Precepts Regarding Stealing
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187
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The Remaining Root Precepts: Abandoning Killing, Lying, Concealing Others' Transgressions, and Going against the Sangha's Decisions
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203
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Looking at Our Stubborn and Rebellious Side: Precepts about Refusing to Accept Admonition
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217
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Right Livelihood
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229
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Resources for Monastic Life: Robes
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249
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Resources for Monastic Life: Food, Medicine, Lodging, and Travel
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267
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Organization in the Buddhist Community
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277
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Community Life
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285
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Epilogue
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311
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Preliminary and Concluding Rituals for the Recital of the Bhikshuni Pratimoksha Sutra
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313
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Notes
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319
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Glossary
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327
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Further Reading
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333
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