History can't bear to look at the complete collection

Chapter 130 Alternative Historical Materials 6
It was not easy to become a monk in ancient times
Many people find it inconceivable that monks in some monasteries still require a high degree of education. They think that it was easy to become a monk in ancient times.In fact, it was not easy to become a monk in ancient times.

Not to mention that during the time when Emperor Taiwu of the Northern Wei Dynasty, Emperor Wudi of the Northern Zhou Dynasty, Emperor Wuzong of the Tang Dynasty, and Emperor Shizong of the Later Zhou Dynasty were exterminating Buddhism, it was even more difficult to become a monk.It was not easy to become a monk even in most of the ancient Buddhist periods.During the period of worshiping Buddha, when the emperor put on the clothes of a monk, he would clasp his hands and ask questions when he saw him, that is, he respected his morality, knowledge, and virtue.Therefore, at that time, monks had to pass the emperor's exam, and only after passing the exam would they be awarded a diploma, which was called "degree certificate".After passing the exam, you can become a monk in whichever dojo or mage you have a predestined relationship with.It is against the law to shave without a degree certificate, and it will be punished by national law.

At that time, Jinshi was the highest level in the national examination, equivalent to the doctorate degree in schools today.Monks get a Jinshi degree in ordinary academics, and then take the Dharma test, and then the moral conduct test, and only after passing all of them will they be issued a degree certificate.The ultimatum is equivalent to the state-recognized qualification certificate for becoming a monk, and it is a certificate issued by the government agency to Gongdu monks and nuns to prove their legal status.The degree certificates of the Tang Dynasty were all made of silk, brocade, and tin scrolls.In the Song Dynasty, paper was used for a while, and silk was still used in the Southern Song Dynasty.The degree certificate generally states the Dharma name, common name, identity (specify the boy or monk and his title), birthplace, age, residence or abbot monastery (where the name of the monastery is registered), the scriptures he recites, the name of the teacher, etc. , and has the approval, date of signature and official signature of the Ministry of Temple.Monks and nuns have legal status when they have a degree certificate. Those who have a degree certificate are considered regular monks. They will not be embarrassed if they stay in this temple or travel to other places.

In order to increase fiscal revenue, the government often sells empty titles.According to the "Yan Yi Yi Mou Lu" and other books of the Song Dynasty, in the early years of Emperor Huizong of Song Dynasty, the price of each duo was 220 thousand, and selling duo became an important source of income for the government.Because it is not easy to get, everyone attaches great importance to it. It is said in "Water Margin" that Lu Zhishen slipped down the Peach Blossom Mountain, "the letter of the real elder is hidden in the bag on his chest", which shows that the letter is carefully collected. Sun Erniang, who is "reckless like a stick and a mallet", also has a gentle side: she took out the ultimatum, sewed a brocade bag to store it, and taught Wu Song to hang it on Tierou's chest-this shows the weight of this amulet in her heart.

In addition, there are more detailed requirements for becoming a monk.

1. Whether you are too old or too young, you can take care of yourself.

Those who are too old, over seventy, if they lose seventy, they will not be able to do anything, and they will be forced to lie down.If you are over seventy, you can do something, but you won't listen to it.At the age of seventy, healthy and able to practice various karma, listen to and become a monk.If you are too old, you should not be a monk.Those who have become monks should not be expelled.If you become a monk and receive furniture, you will be more vigilant. ("Monk")
2. Have the body of a husband, have a strong will, and can bear hardships and stand hard work.

For those who want to become monks, let me first talk about the hard things: one meal, one shelter, one sleep, less food, more learning, is it acceptable?Answer: yes.You have to accept it. ("Monk")
3. Parental permission.

If anyone comes to ask to become a monk, he should first ask his parents for permission before he becomes a monk.If you don't ask the monk first, you will be guilty of transgressing the law. ("The Monk") 4. Did not commit a border crime.

Having received the Buddha's precepts (including the five precepts and eight precepts for white clothes), among the four precepts of adultery, murder, robbery and delusion, if one of the precepts is violated, he will be thrown out of the Buddha's sea, so it is called border crime.

5. The motivation for becoming a monk is pure (not out of evil intentions).

In order to get food, clothing and profit, they sneak into the Sangha, listen to the great monk's lectures on precepts, karma, and the rituals of fellow monks, and are respected and worshiped by others.

6. Strong ambition and clear belief.

He once came to receive precepts for heretics, then returned to heretics, and now he is a monk again to receive precepts. This person's will is uncertain, and he is called breaking the internal and external ways.It is not a Buddhist instrument, and the Buddha is not allowed to save it.

7. No debt (non-debtor).

There are debtors who evade their creditors and become monks, begging for food and being caught by the rich man; the rich man said angrily, all the recluses and monks are debtors.The debtor is not allowed to become a monk. ("Four Points")
8. Not an official (non-official person) who bears important social responsibilities.

You should not teach ministers to become ordained. When you come to ask for a request, you must interrogate it. You are not a king or minister.If a foreigner comes and no one recognizes him, he should become a monk. ("Chores")
9. Good health.

Sickness, ringworm, scabies, yellow rot, leprosy, carbuncle acne, hemorrhoids, involuntary, yellow disease, malaria, cough disappears, madness, fever, wind swelling, edema, abdominal swelling, and even taking medicine does not calm down, should not be relieved. and monk.If you have become a monk, you should not be expelled.If you become a monk and get enough, you will be better than Ni. ("Monk")
10. Complete limbs and correct facial features.

People with hand and foot defects, deaf, dumb, blind, lame, bent, dwarf, extremely ugly, etc. cannot become monks.

It can be seen that becoming a monk in ancient times was not as easy as imagined. It was not possible to become a monk if one wanted to become a monk.

(End of this chapter)