BHIKKU is a cognate of the Vedic (AV) Sanskrit word bhikSu (s is a phonetic sh sound) . Bhiksu itself is derived from the sanskrit word bhikSa meaning the act of begging or asking and go about beggeing of Alms, food etc.
Bikhsu (bhikku pali) in classical sanskrit is defined as a beggar , mendicant , religious mñmendicant (esp. a Bra1hman in the fourth A1s3rama or period of his life , when he subsists entirely on alms) ; A Buddhist mendicant or monk . Of course the application of the word has much broader meaning as for example: -
A member of an order of monks forbidden to own property in common, who work or beg for their living. ( friars in christianity). The higher implication is renunciation of material belongs in order to achieve high ideals. As a matter of interest the teaching of Buddha and Christ are quite parallel. If our friends on this site are interested, I can post them the next time.

with love,
biloo_5

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thomaslaw03 <thomaslaw03@...> wrote:
Dear Friends,

Previously in this group there were some postings about Bhikkhu. I am
wondering whether this word Bhikkhu was exclusively being used to
refer to the "monk" of the Buddhist group at the time of the Buddha.
If not, what religious group/s at that time also used this word for
its own monk? Was this word being used as a general term for all
religious monks? I do feel that Bhikkhu is a word for a Buddhist monk
only. Any advice?

Regards,

Thomas Law










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