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About Ven Bhikshuni Wu Yin
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.
Click here for a more detailed
biography and quotes
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"Far from being just a dry list of rules, the material
comes alive thanks to Master Wu Yin's approach. This text
is of great interest and benefit to all who want to know more
about the Bhikshuni Pratimoksha; it is invaluable to those
who have made the commitment to live their lives by it:"
ELIZABETH NAPPER, Ph.D., Co-Director of
the Tibetan Nuns Project
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"Choosing Simplicity
is an important contribution. The book not only helps nurture
understanding of the meaning and value of Buddhist monasticism,
but also offers essential commentary in simple language for
Buddhists in the West who choose a monastic lifestyle."
KARMA LEKSHE TSOMO, Philosophy Department,
University of Hawai'i
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"It is of great importance that Buddhist monasticism
become firmly established in the West. This excellent book
makes a major contribution to this becoming a reality."
PEMA CHODRON,
Director of Gampo Abbey,
Nova Scotia
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"Until now there has been no comprehensive translation
nor commentary on the precepts for Buddhist nuns available
in English ...includes fascinating accounts of the history
behind the vows and the reasons for keeping them."
VEN. MITRA BISHOP, SENSEI, Resident Teacher,
Mountain Gate in northern New Mexico and Spiritual Director,
Hidden Valley Zen Center,
San Marcos, California
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"Choosing simplicity in our
affluent society means choosing sanity. Christians as well
as Buddhists are discovering how monastic values can enrich
their lives as laypeople. For monastics and laypeople alike,
Choosing Simplicity
will be a book worth reading:"
BROTHER DAVID STEINDL-RAST, O.S.B.,
author of Listening Heart
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CHOOSING SIMPLICITY
by Venerable Bhikshuni Wu Yin
translated by Bhikshuni Jendy Shih
edited by Bhikshuni Thubten Chodron
Published in 2001 by
Snow
Lion Publications, USA
ISBN 1-55959-155-3
Commentary on the Bhikshuni Pratimoksha
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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 neighbors. Being
clear about boundaries, motivations, and how actions may
be interpreted by others can be helpful.
Contents:
Foreword: A Message from Lama Thubten
Zopa Rinpoche
Editor's Preface
A Contemporary Cultural Perspective
on Monastic Life
The Motivation for and the Benefits
of Monastic Ordination
- The Importance of the Precepts
- An Overview of the Vinaya
- The Members of the Sangha
- Joining the Sangha
- Poshadha: Purifying and Restoring
Our Precepts
- The Boundaries for Remaining a
Monastic
- Working with Attachment:
Root Precepts Regarding Sexual Contact
- The Sticky Nature of Attachment:
More Precepts Concerning Sexual and Physical Conduct
- Taking What Has Not Been Freely
Given:
Precepts Regarding Stealing
- The Remaining Root Precepts:
Abandoning Killing, Lying, Concealing Others' Transgressions,
and Going Against the Sangha's Decisions
- Looking at Our Stubborn and Rebellious
Side:
Precepts about Refusing to Accept Admonition
- Right Livelihood
- Resources for Monastic Life: Robes
- Resources for Monastic Life: Food,
Medicine, Lodging, and Travel
- Organization in the Buddhist Community
- Community Life
Epilogue
Appendix: Preliminary and Concluding Rituals for the Recital
of the Bhikshuni Pratimoksha
Sutra
Notes
Glossary
Further Reading
[More info on Monastic Life]
[Order from Snow Lion]
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