Anagarika
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anagārika
(Pāli). Term meaning ‘one who does not inhabit a house’. Before and during the time of the Buddha the term indicated those who had left home to live a more ascetic life and therefore became an epithet of a Buddhist monk. The term was adopted by Anagārika Dharmapāla of Sri Lanka in the 20th century to denote the intermediate role between layman and monk introduced by him. The term indicates someone without home or family ties who nevertheless lives in the world, as opposed to the isolation of a monastery.
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Anagarika
This article is about the term anagarika in general. For other uses, see Anagarika Dharmapala.
In Theravada Buddhism, an anagarika (Pali: anāgārika/ā; lit., "homeless one") is a person who has given up most or all of his worldly possessions and responsibilities to commit fulltime to Buddhist practice. It is a midway status between monk and layperson where one takes on the Eight Precepts for the entire anagarika period, which could be for life. Anagarikas usually wear white clothes or robes, depending on the tradition they follow. Some traditions have special ordination ceremonies for anagarikas, while others simply take the eight precepts with a special intention.
In monastic settings, lay attendants for monks or nuns are needed. The monastic rules restrict monks and nuns from many tasks that might be needed, including the use of money, driving, cooking, digging and cutting plants, so lay attendants help bridge this gap. Anagarikas differ from laity by their commitment to Buddhism, to their precepts and to the monastics. There is usually a notable difference in their manner, appearance and attire. In most cases, they are fulltime residents at the monastery where they ordained. Anagarikas often have the intention of becoming a monk or nun at a later point, though not always. In some monasteries a period as an anagarika, often one year, is required in order to take novice ordination.
The main difference between the 8 precepts of an Anagarika and the 10 precepts of a novice monk is the rule of not handling money. Therefore, anagarika ordinations usually take place in forest monasteries where the monastic rules, including the one on not handling money, are strictly followed.
See also
External links
- "Monastic: Training," from "BuddhaMind Info"
- "Anagarika Life," from "Abhayagiri Monastery"
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Oxford Dictionary of Buddhism
A Dictionary of Buddhism. Copyright © 2003, 2004 by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.
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