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Monk

Legendary and historical figures

Monks (Skt. bhikshu) are men who place their lives in the service of a religion for a specific number of years or permanently. Monastic communities are found in many religions. In Buddhism, monks must observe strict rules. This is why believers treat them with reverence. Legend has it that the Buddha himself founded the first monastic order. Initially, his monks wandered the countryside in small groups with no fixed abode. Later on, they founded Buddhist monasteries where many monks lived together.