Can Buddhist monks get married?

The relationship between Buddhism and marriage

Buddhism is a religion based on the teachings of Buddha, whose fundamental principles include the pursuit of happiness and freedom from suffering.

In Buddhist practice, marriage is considered an important milestone in life, but it is not obligatory for monks. Buddhist monks have taken monastic vows that include sexual abstinence and often forgo marriage to devote themselves fully to spirituality.

Monastic vows and sexual abstinence

Buddhist monks take monastic vows that include sexual abstinence in order to free themselves from earthly desires and attachments. They seek to achieve enlightenment and move closer to nirvana, which is the state of extinction of suffering.

This means that they voluntarily give up marriage and sexual relations to concentrate on their spiritual practice and helping others achieve enlightenment.

For Buddhist monks, celibacy and sexual abstinence are seen as ways to develop self-control, discipline and spiritual awakening.

The practice of marriage for lay Buddhists

For lay Buddhists, marriage is an important stage of life, but it is seen as a temporary union that can later be dissolved. Buddhism encourages harmonious relationships and mutual respect within marriage.

Lay Buddhists are encouraged to marry in accordance with Buddhist principles such as compassion, benevolence, generosity and ethics. Marriage is seen as an opportunity to cultivate these qualities and mutually support spiritual practice.

However, it is important to note that even for lay Buddhists, marriage is not seen as the only path to spiritual awakening. Spiritual practices and the search for enlightenment can still be pursued regardless of marital status.

Exceptions from marriage for Buddhist monks

Although most Buddhist monks abstain from marriage, there are a few exceptions to this rule. In some Buddhist traditions, monks may marry before entering monastic orders, but once they take their vows, they renounce marriage and family life.

These exceptions are rare and depend on the specific teachings of different Buddhist schools. In most cases, monks who married before becoming monks can continue to practice spirituality while having family obligations.

The role of married Buddhist monks

Buddhist monks who married before taking monastic vows can play an important role within the Buddhist community. They can share their wisdom and experience with other practitioners, while continuing to develop their own spiritual practice.

However, it is important to note that even for married Buddhist monks, spirituality and the practice of sexual abstinence remain central aspects of their Buddhist journey.

These married monks are often respected for their commitment to both their families and the path of Buddhism, but they remain the exception rather than the norm.

Conclusion

Marriage is not obligatory for Buddhist monks, as they have taken monastic vows that include sexual abstinence and often forgo marriage to devote themselves fully to spirituality.

However, for lay Buddhists, marriage is an important stage of life that can be lived in accordance with Buddhist principles.

There are some exceptions where Buddhist monks can marry before taking monastic vows, but these cases remain rare and depend on the specific teachings of different Buddhist schools.

Whatever the situation, Buddhism encourages the development of compassion, kindness and ethics in all relationships, whether marital or otherwise.