Question 97: IN ANCIENT TIMES, SOCIETY WAS SIMPLE, WITH FEW MATERIAL POSSESSIONS AND TECHNOLOGICAL DEVICES, SO MONKS HAD FEWER OPPORTUNITY TO INTERACT WITH THE WORLD. NOW, WITH THE CONVENIENCE OF PHONES, COMPUTERS, AND TRANSPORTATION, IT SEEMS THAT MONKS ARE MORE CONNECTED WITH THE SECULAR WORLD. DOES THIS MAKE IT HARDER TO MAINTAIN THEIR MORAL DISCIPLINE?

Answer: The modern era of technology indeed presents new challenges for monks, requiring them to cultivate greater determination in their practice. The key is to navigate technology wisely, using its advantages while avoiding its potential drawbacks that can diminish the image and integrity of the monastic life.

To maintain strict moral discipline, monks today need to engage in frequent and sincere repentance before the Buddha. The merit gained from this practice helps purify the mind and reinforce moral qualities, allowing wisdom to naturally develop, and enabling them to protect their spiritual life from the encroachment of worldly life.

In the past, it was easier to practice because worldly distractions were minimal. Today, however, the practice is more challenging due to the pervasive influence of secular life, making it necessary for monks to put in extra effort to prevent these influences from taking hold.

Meditation plays a crucial role in supporting moral discipline, but to achieve results, it must be practiced correctly with a humble mind. Humility is very crucial for spiritual practitioners, as arrogance can lead to immediate contamination by worldly influences. Some modern teachings may inadvertently foster pride in practitioners, which undermines their spiritual progress. Therefore, it is safest to prioritize teachings that help maintain humility in the mind, ensuring a solid and lasting path of practice.