[Q&A] Computers and Buddhist monks, offering computer to monk makes bad karma?

Yes, in this information age, computer is like essential part in normal people life. But for monks, does it apply same way like that? Or computer can make harm than good to a monk?

Does a book is better than electronic book on computer (in term of donation and uses by monk)?

Typewriter (or more basic pen and book) is more distract-free than a computer?

In this cruel world of advertisement, it is almost impossible a monk can avoid some explicit content while browsing internet. And internet and computer can be a great deal of wasting precious time of a monk if improperly used. Monks are not allowed to use/manipulate money but money is required to use a computer (buying softwares/applications/electronic books etc). Piracy is another serious potential issue for a monk who uses computer (it could lead to end of monk's life if stealing is involved).

So is it better not to offer a computer to a monk or is there any chance that computer cannot make any harm to donor and monk both? If there are more harm than good, why do we need to care to offer a computer to a monk?

If you are a monk and using computer but you are almost free from the harms that I described above, please let me know how this can be achieved? Please include do and don't if possible. It is expected that practices are Vinaya-complied uses of computer.

Venerable members of the Sangha,
walking in front Fellows in leading the holly life.

     

In Respect of the Triple Gems, Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha, in Respect of the Elders of the community  , my person tries to answer this question. Please, may all knowledgeable Venerables and Dhammika, out of compassion, correct my person, if something is not correct and fill also graps, if something is missing.

Valued Upasaka, Upasika, Aramika(inis),
dear Readers and Visitors,

 

- Namo tassa bhagavato arahato sammā-sambuddhassa  -

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In giving an device such as a computer to "paticipate" better visit the realm of internet, is giving dwelling and transport. It's giving Dhamma a dwelling and space at least.

 While such is principle good, one should be clear about it that making use of it by means of taking what is not given (taking like villagers in the forest) and by means of getting into contracts (trade) are not allowable for monks. Althought there are many not care much about it, it's like giving money to monks while knowing they are not allowed not of benefit for both (giver and receiver). It's not standard that wise people find ways and it needs a lot of sacrify to maintain access.

If not taking care such as updates, software, maintenance... (which is on a rightous way a lot of work) your gift might be either used improper or soon no more useable.

There are many things a wise and generous person would need to concern about. That is why there is also a lot of merit in it.

In relation to do not use luxory things (think on how much pain devices cause in the world) it's not really proper to accept luxory in this regard as well.

As for cases where a monk is either in training (at a sila, samadhi, panna and not on a saddha increasing level by study) it's not so good to make him much busy with all of that, but to provide him access to meet other monks or the read and learn Dhamma more ease, such is a good objective.

If one finds ways that a monk in not at all involved in all those many wordily thinks but takes on the task to care on that technological part for particular purposes entirely, such is of cause the most greates gift.

Now how much would you are willing to give?

Since one just gains what he gives it is naturally that modern sociaty gains just impure contact with the Dhamna-Vinaya an nurishes only unvirtuouse who fit to their morals and standard.

There is no need for computer or devices for reaching the unbound at all as there is no duty to teach as well. In fact both can be great hindrances

So if wishing that uncorrupt people and the big field of merits is avaliable in your world you will need to do proper sacrifies for it. Generally it does not look like that Dhamma-Vinaya will gain a serious footing in this so called modern world but be merely eternal distroyed by unwise and greedy acts.

By giver as well by corrupt receiver.

Modern people are consumer, do not delight in giving, service and sacrifies, would just invest for their gain in being, becoming, sensual pleasure, ease and self-identification. They are incapable to see a benefit to invest and sacrify in something they are not supposed making it theirs, own and control. So Mara is for the most their more welcome partner.

Gifts in regard of it, how ever, might be for the most good regarded like offering to the monks for lost relatives and hungry ghosts and placed of course best in that way.


If thinking on the many very serious damages caused by givers and receivers, thinking on world most destructive undertaking Suttacentral for example or the many improper relations on facebook, social medias... huge Dhamma business and thieving of al kinds, it's again very importand to become clear if an recipient is really worthy of gifts, has objectives toward Nibbana or gains in and for the world. Walks for the highest or seeks to bind equal and lower for his being, becoming and wordly benefits.

Anumodana.