Why did monks have to follow strict rules?

Answer 1

because boi f you didn't they would spank u

Answer 2

You do not have to follow the rules for Buddhist monks (vinaya) unless you are a Buddhist monk.

There were a number of reasons that the Buddha laid down these rules for monks and nuns, but some of the primary reasons are:

• To help the monk or nun eradicate craving and other defilements of mind;
• To keep monks and nuns from engaging in harmful actions;
• To prevent behaviors in monks and nuns that householders disapprove of in monks or nuns;
• To discourage unspiritual people from entering the monastic life.

There is a range of consequences for violating the rules, depending on the seriousness of the infraction. Breaking one of the most serious rules results in permanent expulsion from the community of monks (sangha). Less serious rules might require confession to a gathering of 20 monks, still less serious might require confession to one monk, and the least serious rules have no "punishment" at all.