Actually the word Bhikkhu can have more than one meaning and wearing the
robes is merely a Dhutayga practices. It does equate to a certain status and
means of behavior in his eyes. Now, though, we have many branches which perform
very good deeds and practices yet are not Theravadan. The word Preist can take
many meanings for various branches and I really do think that they won't
change a whole religous conregation or branch which has practices for hundres of
years from your own personal desire of language barriers and interpretations.
Zen and many other branches use the same term. In the US we have a need of
interaction and leading of the community and our lineage also shares that belief
plus personal practice above all else. The term or terms allows us to better
help this culture and use of that word to guide them in understanding our
roles. Again, our choice, not any others outside our practice and effort.

Beyond that, this is really a Pali language group and personal
interpretations of another lineage and practice are not really in line with the topic of the
group? But, I guess if it makes you feel better to interpret another's
practice and branch without knowing them please go right ahead. This is,
unfortunately, breaking many rules governing such personally, I belief, driven
admonishing.

My post was to express my personal view not opening a debate of another's
desire to correct everyone out therte they deem incorrectly using phrasing. The
term is open to many uses plus, the basic websters interpretation of the term
priest also denotes: "an official minister of a non-christian religion." That
would same to base itself correctly in our use for this culture. Also, we
must not forget emptiness and that language is merely a means to an end when
such hair splitting comes into play.

If you have any other questions of our branch please feel free to e-mail us
directly and save the space on this groups postings for Pali language use and
hlep. Such public debates really can harm other's viewing them on many levesl
as we are taught in the Sangiti Sutta and many others Thank you and I look
forward to your questions directly if you have any in the future Gunnar.

-Virupa


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