When Monastics Ride Motorbikes and Go Online: Where Is the Line?

Have you ever wondered: if a person has left home to ordain, yet rides a Honda, uses a smartphone, and posts on social media — can that still be considered practice? Many people might be quick to criticize. But Most Venerable Thích Chân Quang opens a different perspective: understand the modern context so we can have compassion for those who have committed themselves to the path of practice.

The Goal of Liberation — What Never Changes

No matter how far the world progresses, no matter what science invents, the goal of practice remains one: to escape samsara (cycle of rebirth) and the cycle of birth and death. The Most Venerable emphasizes this as the unshakable foundation.

"No matter how much the times may change, the goal of practice as taught by the Buddha — to escape samsara (cycle of rebirth) and the cycle of birth and death — remains irreplaceable."

We live in an age where fame, wealth, and status easily seduce us. But for a monastic, all of these are merely means along the path of practice. They must always remember that the final destination is not grand temples, beautiful statues, or fame, but liberation and enlightenment.

Monastics Remain a Shining Example

Many believe that in the internet age, anyone can study the Dharma on their own without a teacher. In reality, the Buddha's teachings are profound and require those who have devoted a lifetime to study in order to transmit them. Those who have ordained still hold the role of a living example.

"Even so, the image of monastics — shaved heads and robes — remains a shining example for everyone to lean on in their practice. That is irreplaceable."

We respect monastics not because they are skilled with technology or hold degrees, but because they have shaved their heads, donned the kasaya robes, and devoted themselves to practice in order to understand and teach the Dharma. That image is a symbol of renunciation and diligent effort.

Times Change, So Must the Means

In the past, a teacher who rode a bicycle was criticized for losing his dignified bearing. But if the teacher only walked, how could he arrive in time to perform blessing ceremonies, funeral rites, and teach? The Most Venerable gives an example: if a teacher wished to visit distant districts to see Buddhist followers but traveled only on foot, he would collapse halfway there.

"We cannot force a monastic to live alone in isolation, only to have them, after death, be cast out of society, causing Buddhism to decline. That cannot be."

So when you see a teacher riding a large motorcycle or driving a car, do not rush to judge. It may be the means by which he travels and spreads the Dharma. What matters is that within his heart he keeps purity. A simple outer life is not the only standard. A teacher who lives in a temple behind closed doors, with little contact, may practice well — but if he does not teach and transform others, Buddhism may fade away. We need teachers who both practice seriously and actively carry out the Buddha's work.

The Paradox of the Monastic: Transcendent Yet Engaged

This is a great challenge. On one side, a monastic needs letting go, without entanglement. On the other, they must come to sentient beings and guide them on the path. The Most Venerable calls this the crossroads.

"Buddhist monastics today stand at a crossroads. On one side is the inclination toward transcendent practice, untouched by worldly life. On the other, they must still engage themselves in work, in teaching and transforming, entering the world, skillfully guiding beings according to conditions (dependent origination)."

Monastics must learn to handle this paradox: pure within, yet still receiving conditions to teach and transform. This is very difficult work. That is why we, as Buddhist followers, need understanding and should not rush to judge. Do not see a teacher going out often and say he is not practicing; nor see a teacher staying at the temple constantly and blame him for not helping the world.

Do Not Rush to Judge — Trust, Love, and Support

When we see a teacher act in a way we dislike, we easily speak criticism. But the Most Venerable advises us to put ourselves in their circumstances.

"We must understand that teachers today face great difficulty, so never rush to criticize or judge them."

Monastics also have moments of weakness, and may even make mistakes. But they are people who dared to renounce the world and commit themselves to the Dharma. We should keep a respectful heart, support them, and make offerings. Do not let gossip destroy faith within the Dharma.

Challenges from the Outside World: Science, Globalization, and Other Religions

Today's Buddhists are more educated than before. They no longer believe everything a teacher says. Therefore, monastics must equip themselves with knowledge of science and society in order to persuade in a reasonable way.

"Buddhists today have a higher level of education than in the past. No longer is it the case that whatever teachers say, Buddhists will believe."

Moreover, globalization has made religions compete fiercely. Buddhism is gentle, but other religions proselytize aggressively, sometimes even through manipulation. This places monastics before great challenges. They must grasp the situation and understand the issues of the times in order to protect and develop the Buddha's teachings (Dharma).

In this context, the role of those who came before — root teachers and preceptors — is vital. They must teach the monastics to hold firm views so they can live with stability, overcome temptations, and stand steady amid the changing currents of life.

In closing, let your compassion expand. When you see a teacher driving a car, think that he may be rushing somewhere to bring the Buddha's words. When you see him answer the phone, think that he is connecting with hearts in suffering (dukkha). Instead of judging, offer support, make offerings, and keep a respectful heart. That is how you contribute to preserving and developing the Buddha's teachings (Dharma) in this new era.