Peace Pilgrim: An American Parallel to a Buddhist Path

Abstract

Among the devotees of the varied world religions are persons who voluntarily live in poverty. Often the commitment to an ascetic way of life is made for a definite short period of time; sometimes it is conditional on the existence of related possibilities or problems; however, in many instances, the way of life is continuous after it is begun. Among both Buddhists and Christians there have been some ascetics who practiced strict self-denial as a measure of spiritual discipline. Through it they hope to emulate the life of the founder or one of the saints of their religion or to follow their teachings; to bring themselves closer to God or become more assured of Nirvana; or, by reducing distractions, to increase clarity of purpose or effectiveness in serving their neighbors. From as early as the third century A.D., some Christians have lived as ascetics individually or as members of covenanting groups. Some Buddhists have followed the mendicant way from the time of Gautama. M. J. Augustine has studied commonalities within monastic communities and found that Zen Buddhist monks and Benedictine Christian monks today live remarkably similar lives and engage in similar practices.1 Among the similarities are proscriptions that require sexual abstinence and limit the consumption of material goods within the community to a simple vegetarian diet, a minimal number of simple clothes, plain housing, and a few other personal possessions related to individual needs. Individual monks are relieved of the necessity of daily decisions regarding their material needs and so are able to focus on a life of prayer and devotion. In the countries where Theravada Buddhist belief prevails, the way of the mendicant (beggar) monk is highly valued, and not only the novice monk, but lay seekers also may be asked to limit their material possessions as a condition for being allowed to study with particular teachers.2 Depending on the community, the master, and the seeker, the degree of austerity may vary considerably. By social and political agreement, religious seekers and practitioners who wish to live apart from the lay community are supported by the society. Within the