Questions & Answers
Questions and Answers about Dhutanga and Buddhism
Short, plain-language answers to the questions people ask most often. Each links to a fuller explanation.
- Author
- Dhutanga.org Editorial Team
- Review
- Doctrinal review pending
- Tradition
- Theravada, with comparative notes
- Published
- Last reviewed
What does “dhutanga” mean?
Dhutanga (Pali dhutaṅga) means “factors for shaking off”. It refers to thirteen optional ascetic observances that help a practitioner shake off defilements such as greed and laziness by living simply. Read more.
What are the 13 dhutanga practices?
Wearing discarded cloth; keeping only three robes; eating only alms food; walking for alms house by house; eating at one sitting; eating only from the bowl; refusing later food; living in the forest; at the foot of a tree; in the open air; in a charnel ground; accepting any assigned dwelling; and not lying down. See all thirteen.
Are the dhutanga practices compulsory for Buddhists?
No. They are voluntary undertakings, mainly for monastics. When Devadatta asked the Buddha to make some of them compulsory, the Buddha refused, leaving them to individual choice.
What is a thudong monk?
In Thailand, thudong (ธุดงค์) is the Thai form of dhutanga. A thudong monk is a forest monk who undertakes these observances, often walking through the countryside and staying in forests or caves, receiving alms along the way.
Can lay people practise dhutanga?
The Visuddhimagga mentions two observances for lay followers: eating at one sitting and eating only from the bowl. Lay people can also embrace the spirit of simplicity and contentment. Anyone considering changes to eating or sleeping should first seek medical advice and qualified guidance. Practising responsibly.
Is dhutanga the same as extreme asceticism?
No. Buddhism describes itself as a middle way that avoids both indulgence and self-mortification. Dhutanga practices aim at contentment and energy, not at punishing the body.
Who was the most famous practitioner of dhutanga?
Mahākassapa, one of the Buddha’s principal disciples, was declared foremost among those who uphold the ascetic practices. In modern times, Ajahn Mun Bhūridatta of Thailand is widely associated with the revival of forest practice.
Why do forest monks live in the forest?
Seclusion supports meditation and reduces distraction. The early discourses also warn that motives matter: forest dwelling out of pride or ambition is not praised.
Why do monks walk for alms?
The alms round expresses a monastic’s dependence on others and offers lay people a daily chance to practise generosity. Monks do not ask for anything; they receive what is freely given.
Do monks eat only once a day?
Theravada monks do not eat solid food after midday, and many forest monasteries keep one meal a day. Eating at a single sitting is also one of the thirteen observances.
Is there dhutanga in Mahayana Buddhism?
Yes. Chinese Buddhism speaks of twelve dhūta practices (十二头陀行), and Mahākāśyapa is honoured as foremost in them. Forms and emphases differ from the Theravada list.
Where can I learn more reliably?
Start with the Visuddhimagga, Chapter II, and the discourses listed in our library. Established monasteries and qualified teachers are the best guides to practice.
How can I visit a forest monastery?
Contact the monastery first, dress modestly, follow the guest guidelines and join the daily routine. See our guide to visiting a monastery.
Are translations on this site reviewed?
English is our source edition. Other language editions currently contain machine-assisted translations, clearly labelled, while we recruit qualified reviewers. You can report a translation issue.