Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Buddhist monks are individuals who have dedicated their lives to practicing Buddhism. They live according to monastic rules and strive for spiritual enlightenment through meditation and self-discipline.
Related terms
Meditation: A practice commonly associated with Buddhism that involves training one's mind to achieve mental clarity and inner peace.
Karma: The belief that one's actions in this life will have consequences in future lives, influencing their destiny and spiritual progress.
Bodhisattva: A being who has attained enlightenment but chooses to remain in the cycle of rebirth to help others achieve liberation.