Q. This is the last question but it may be really silly one for you. However, we really want to know, ‘Can you tell us how a Buddhist monk who played football can be punished?’
A. Anyway, your question is really welcome. I know why you ask this question. May I ask you a question, ‘Do you know about the beginning of the football history?’
Q. Well, I have no idea about it. (Everybody is laughing, all of a sudden.)
A. I will tell you now. Actually, the world’s football history started in 1863, in England. It has been just more than 100 years. The Buddha’s Teaching started 2500 years ago. Therefore, we can learn there was no football game in the time of Buddha. The Buddha did not lay down any rules and regulations concerning Buddhist monks who played the football. Therefore, we do not know how to punish them.
However, in the monastic code, the Buddha laid down some rules and regulations that Buddhist monks are not allowed to do anything as laypeople do in their life, maybe, playing football is included. I do not think that Buddhist monks should play football. In these days, Buddhist monks are not only in Burma but also even in Europe and America. The traditional Buddhist monks in Burma, in Thailand, in Cambodia, in Laos and in Sri Lanker must be careful of their moral quality and behaviors according to monastic code.
In my opinion, Buddhist monks must seriously study Tipitaka, the collections of the Buddha’s Teaching and put them into practice quite seriously so that they can perfectly purify their mind. This is what the Buddha wanted them to do. I believe that the Buddha will not allow Buddhist monks to play football. However, we do not have any specific rules and regulations concerning Buddhist monks who played football. I will never allow to play football not only my monk students but also even laypeople who take meditation retreat under my instruction and supervision.
Q. Well, thank you so much sir for wise answers to all of our questions
A. Well. You’re always welcome.
