Mendicant

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50番繁多寺前で托鉢する遍路P1010122

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The story of our Christianity; an account of the struggles, persecutions, wars, and victories of Christians of all times (1893) (14597327508)

Mendicant monk in Lhasa, 1993

Luang Prabang Takuhatsu ルアンパバーン 托鉢 DSCF7017

Mendicant refers to a member of a religious community who relies on charitable donations to survive. Historically, mendicant orders played a significant role in the religious, social, and economic fabric of societies. These orders, primarily within the Christian and Buddhist traditions, adopted a lifestyle of poverty, traveling, and living off alms given by others, in contrast to monastic orders that lived in fixed locations such as monasteries.

Origins and Development

The concept of mendicancy in religious traditions can be traced back to the early centuries of both Christianity and Buddhism. In Christianity, the mendicant movement gained momentum in the 13th century with the founding of the Franciscans by Saint Francis of Assisi and the Dominicans by Saint Dominic. These orders emerged as a response to the growing need for pastoral care in rapidly expanding cities and as a protest against the wealth and corruption within the church. Similarly, in Buddhism, mendicant practices date back to the time of Gautama Buddha in the 5th century BCE, with monks and nuns living without personal possessions, relying on the lay community for sustenance.

Philosophy and Practices

The philosophy underlying mendicant practices emphasizes poverty, humility, and the reliance on the generosity of others. Mendicants often engage in preaching, teaching, and community service as part of their religious duties. They typically own no personal property and are often associated with itinerant lifestyles, moving from one community to another.

In Christianity, mendicant orders took vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. They played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity, education, and the arts. In Buddhism, mendicant monks (bhikkhus) and nuns (bhikkhunis) follow the Vinaya, a set of disciplinary rules, and go on daily alms rounds to collect food.

Impact on Society

Mendicant orders have had a profound impact on the societies in which they operated. They were instrumental in the spread of religious teachings and literacy, the establishment of universities, and the promotion of art and culture. Their emphasis on poverty and service also provided a social safety net for the poor and destitute.

Contemporary Relevance

Today, while the traditional concept of mendicancy has evolved, many religious orders still adhere to the principles of living in poverty and serving the community. The legacy of mendicant orders can be seen in modern charitable organizations and movements that seek to address poverty and social injustice.

See Also

• Monasticism
• Asceticism
• Alms
• Poverty in Christianity
• Buddhist monasticism