Do monasticism require abstinence?

You don't need abstinence to practice.

In the traditional culture of China, direct abstinence is always used to solve the desire. However, we have to face the reality, we are neither saints nor gods, and secular desires are inevitable. We should respect human nature and accept people's imperfections and desires. As the saying goes, the flood is unstoppable, so Taoism puts forward "making its desires" instead of "forbidding its desires". "Dismissal" and "prohibition" are completely different things.

Taoism does not advocate abstinence, and monasticism does not require complete abstinence, but emphasizes abstinence. Desire is not terrible, the key is how to get rid of it, control it, grasp the degree and not be troubled. Practice is to help us get rid of bad desires gradually. The pursuit of a better quality of life requires a corresponding price. As long as the price paid is controllable, it is not excessive desire.

Monastic mentality

Since all mortals have worldly desires, they must experience it in the Tao, although monks think abstinence is necessary, because they are not contaminated with the world of mortals and can devote themselves to monasticism in order to achieve a higher state of mind, instead of ascending to heaven. If a monk can't even grasp the worldly desires, how can he say that he is a fairy? It's just that he has ulterior motives and his will is not firm, so he fell short.

Speaking of the word "asceticism", people may first think of "ascetic monk", a monk in the East. In the Kumran area, northwest of the Dead Sea, there lived an Essene community. They believe that they are the true descendants of Israel, faithfully and firmly abide by the agreement between Israel and God, and live an ascetic life.