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General Buddhism => General Buddhism => Topic started by: kris on January 06, 2012, 04:35:24 PM

Title: Should computer games be allowed in monastery?
Post by: kris on January 06, 2012, 04:35:24 PM
Someone said that in one of the monasteries in India, young monks are allowed to play computer games once a week (the computer room is used for teaching on other days).

I would think that playing computer games does not really constitute to Dharma, but on the other hand, I also felt that the young monks should be given some "time off"...

What do you think? Do you think young monks should be allowed to play computer games?
Title: Re: Should computer games be allowed in monastery?
Post by: Klein on January 06, 2012, 05:35:08 PM
I think computer games should be allowed in the monasteries. It's one of the ways to create exposure for the young monks. Isolating them from the rest of the world would create more ignorance to people's lives in the modern world.

Not all young monks will have a pure motivation to study and practice. Allowing them to play computer games would be one of the least harmful ways of entertainment and also motivation for them to do better in their dharma studies. It is also one of the ways to expose them to computers and internet which are the most efficient and effective methods of disseminating and receiving info around the world. This is very important knowledge for the new generation of dharma teachers.
Title: Re: Should computer games be allowed in monastery?
Post by: Galen on January 06, 2012, 05:59:41 PM
The monastery I went to in India has a day off for the monks. The monks are free to do what ever they want for that day unless they have official tasks to do. So, I have seen some monks doing their laundry, some monks goes out to town, some monks rest and some monks spend time in the computer room.

In the computer room the monks can go online and also play computer games. Most of the monks in the room are young monks like 9 or 10 years old. Some were on facebook!

To me, I think it is good to have time off so that the monks can get "off" their habits weekly. They get time to rest and relax so that when they start again the next day, they are fresh and more could be done when they are fresh.

Playing computer games is a way for them to do something different from their routine. And through that it may cause them to be better in their Dharmic studies. Young monks also need to socialise to develop their social skills so that they can go out to fund raise or promote their monastery in the future.

Maybe back in the old days, the young monks then were playing marbles during their off days with their monk friends in neighbouring monastery and now the young monks are playing computer games with their monk friends in another country. No difference, only the game is different as it has changed over time. Just like us! And there are so much more monasteries in World! It is a way to get connected. :)

Title: Re: Should computer games be allowed in monastery?
Post by: happysun on January 06, 2012, 10:45:50 PM
haha, this is good question, yes if they allow computer game play in monastery. I went to visit monastery before, I saw some small monks are playing their computer game in off day. According to the adult monk, the small kid only can play game in their off day, school day no!

Title: Re: Should computer games be allowed in monastery?
Post by: KhedrubGyatso on January 07, 2012, 03:55:39 AM
I think it is better to think how we can make use of whatever technology has to offer to develop goodness, spread the message of goodwill, love and virtuous action.
If computer games can help develop certain mental faculties , improve mental skills etc then it is not an idle or meaningless pursuit. Since we are talking about young monks here, naturally a certain amount of discipline and regulation will be needed in allowing them access to these games .There also need  to be checks if those games are appropriate for their age since there are those that have adults in mind and not educational at all, like words and maths games, games of strategy or chess games etc.
Young monks will grow to become teachers and sent out to the world. They need to have a balanced education to keep abreast of modern times and techno age n order to communicate effectively and reach out to the masses.
Title: Re: Should computer games be allowed in monastery?
Post by: nagaseeker on January 07, 2012, 02:25:11 PM
Dear kris ,
i don't really agreed about this because i'm a pc gamerz that i used to play for 12 hours per day when i was like 15-16 and i start it with only 2 hours a week or something like that.Once you play any games ,it is very hard to get rid of it as most of the games require you to solve the levels in the game.The purpose of game is to 'win'.If you can't pass through the stage/level,it will bother you so much that you will keep thinking of it everyday and eventually you will addicted to it .

Below is an article about The Effect of Video Games on the Brain by Eleni Kardaras

The effect of video games on the brain is a research area gaining popularity as the percentage of children and adults who play video games is on the rise. Some people believe violence in video games and in other media promotes violent behavior among viewers. While there is not sufficient data to validate this claim, there are a number of studies showing that video games can increase aggressive behavior and emotional outbursts, and decrease inhibitions. From a few of these studies, and from my own observations of children playing video games, it is quite obvious that the video games do have at least some effect on the behavior of the player. The extent and long range consequences of these behavior changes after one has turned off the video game are not so easily deduced. One source states that "While research on video games and aggressive behavior must be considered preliminary, it may be reasonably inferred from the more than 1,000 reports and studies on television violence that video game violence may also contribute to aggressive behavior and desensitization to violence" (1). Another study reports that "Hostility was increased both in subjects playing a highly aggressive video game and those playing a mildly aggressive video game. Subjects who had played the high-aggression game were significantly more anxious than other subjects" (2).

I had a chance to observe the effects of video games first hand on two boys, ages eight and ten, when I babysat them earlier in the semester. They were playing the video game "Mario Cart," which is really not a very violent game; the object is to win a car race by coming in first while maneuvering through different courses. When the younger brother won, the older brother got up and started kicking him and yelling insults! Later on that day, the younger brother was playing another video game by himself and when he could not beat the level, he threw down the controller and screamed at the t.v. screen, "Why are you doing this to me...?!" and burst into tears. I was very shocked by this reaction and was not quite sure how to handle the situation. This game had brought an eight year old boy to tears, right in front of me. "Certainly, video games can make some people go nuts. You just have to look at some enthusiasts playing video games on their cellular phones, mumbling to themselves heatedly even though others are around them. At game centers (penny arcades), frustrated people punch or kick game machines without regard to making a spectacle of themselves" (3). From the above descriptions, it seems that players get somewhat "sucked" into the video game and become oblivious to their surroundings and much less inhibited to share their emotions. What types of changes are occurring in the brain to activate this behavior which one exhibits when "sucked" into a video game?

Akio Mori, a professor at Tokyo's Nihon University, conducted a recent study observing the effects of video games on brain activity. He divided 260 people into three groups: those who rarely played video games, those who played between 1 and 3 hours three to four times a week, and those who played 2 to 7 hours each day. He then monitored "the beta waves that indicate liveliness and degree of tension in the prefrontal region of the brain, and alpha waves, which often appear when the brain is resting" (4). The results showed a higher decrease of beta waves the more one played video games. "Beta wave activity in people in the [highest amount of video game playing] was constantly near zero, even when they weren't playing, showing that they hardly used the prefrontal regions of their brains. Many of the people in this group told researchers that they got angry easily, couldn't concentrate, and had trouble associating with friends" (4). This suggests two important points. One, that the decrease of beta wave activity and usage of the prefrontal region of the brain may correlate with the aggressive behavior, and two, that the decrease of beta waves continued after the video game was turned off, implying a lasting effect. Another study found similar results and reported: "Youths who are heavy gamers can end up with 'video-game brain,' in which key parts of the frontal region of their brain become chronically underused, altering moods" (5). This study also asserts that a lack of use of the frontal brain, contributed by video games, can change moods and could account for aggressive and reclusive behavior. An important question arises: if the brain is so impacted by video games as to create behavioral changes, must that mean that the brain perceives the games as real?

Perhaps looking at what effects video games have on autonomic nerves can begin to answer that question. "'Many video games stir up tension and a feeling of fear, and there is a very real concern that this could have a long-term effect on the autonomic nerves,' Mori commented" (6). Autonomic nerves are those connected with involuntary internal organ processes, such as breathing and heart rate. "Heart rate can be altered by electrical signals from emotional centers in the brain or by signals from the chemical messengers called epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine. These hormones are released from the adrenal glands in response to danger..." (7). Multiple studies have reported that playing video games can significantly increase heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen consumption. If studies show that heart rate is increased when playing video games, then it seems that the brain is responding to the video game as if the body is in real danger. Does repeated exposure to this "false" sense of danger have an effect on what the brain then perceives as real danger?

From the above studies and observations, video games do effect the players in some ways, since it appears that players get so wrapped up in the game that they forget their surroundings and begin to see the game as a real quest. Studies have shown that playing video games can increase heart rate and blood pressure, as well as decrease prefrontal lobe activity while the person is playing the game. This could account for changes in the player's mood and cause him or her to become more aggressive or emotional. However, the extent of these effects on the body once video game playing has ceased are preliminary and need to be confirmed.

I guess the young monks should be restricted to play computer games but it is allow to let them do research on the net about dharmic contents and surf for world news ~ if they need to have "time off" , outdoor sports will do right ?

Kris , what do you think ?

Title: Re: Should computer games be allowed in monastery?
Post by: triesa on January 07, 2012, 03:35:38 PM
My opinion on this is that time has changed and as monks in the modern world, it would be necessary to have a taste of what the world of comouter has to offer.

Playing a game in one's free time is fine, it is like any kind of relaxation. The key is that how to ensure the monks would not be addicted to it and develope any side effects og aggression as mentioned by nagaseeker.

There is always no fixed rule or proof that the monks will all be good without palying computer games, so lets not put the blame on computer games but instead aim to stirke a balance in life and the monks can also grow up together with knowledge of what the new age of technology brings to them.

 
Title: Re: Should computer games be allowed in monastery?
Post by: WisdomBeing on January 07, 2012, 03:48:25 PM
i think it depends on what kind of computer games... there are many games which can be quite violent and  not suitable for under 18s. If they're over 18 though or playing with games suitable for their age group, I think there's no harm to be familiar with what is popular in the secular world outside the monastic walls. If the monks eventually go out to teach outside the monastery, they should know what the average person is familiar with - be it movies (i understand that monks on their days off also go to the movies!) or computer games. If they are completely isolated from samsaric activities, they will not be able to connect with the lay people they seek to teach.
Title: Re: Should computer games be allowed in monastery?
Post by: DSFriend on January 07, 2012, 04:04:42 PM
Computer games seem to have built itself a reputation surrounding violence and aggression. And there are extensive research similar to the ones shared by nagaseeker.

I'm guilty of playing computer games while growing up which continued into my adulthood. :)

With that said, I'm somewhat exposed to different types of games, including educational games which can be quite engaging and definitely beneficial to children in developing problem solving skills, social skills, spacial, language etc.. These type of games are quite popular and used with children as young as 3 or 4 years old. High end, educational games have built in simulations of real life scenarios.

I am all for the monks to keep up with technology, social media, computer games (those that are non-violent) especially the educational type games.
Title: Re: Should computer games be allowed in monastery?
Post by: negra orquida on January 07, 2012, 04:07:48 PM
I think its fine to let monks play with computer games, as it is a good idea for them to have some connection with the secular world, know what is going on so they can relate to laypeople's lives to better communicate with them.  Also a good practice of non-attachment/non-addiction to computer games!

I am not sure if we can say that letting the monks play with computer games as a "time off"... take a time off what? Time off from walking the path of enlightenment? Imagine Buddha Shakyamuni while meditating one day stops mid-way and says "Gosh, I need some time off.. gotta have my computer game break"

On another hand, I also agree with Klein that perhaps not all monks have developed pure motivation to pursue monastic life for the benefit of all sentient beings.  So having computer game breaks could be beneficial for such monks.  By the way, is there negative karma created if we play violent computer games and kill people in the game??
Title: Re: Should computer games be allowed in monastery?
Post by: diamond girl on January 07, 2012, 04:17:28 PM
i think it depends on what kind of computer games... there are many games which can be quite violent and  not suitable for under 18s. If they're over 18 though or playing with games suitable for their age group, I think there's no harm to be familiar with what is popular in the secular world outside the monastic walls. If the monks eventually go out to teach outside the monastery, they should know what the average person is familiar with - be it movies (i understand that monks on their days off also go to the movies!) or computer games. If they are completely isolated from samsaric activities, they will not be able to connect with the lay people they seek to teach.

I have children the ages of young monks in the monastery. Moderation is the key. My children play way too much and too much time. And yes I do see aggressive behavior and also short attention span on other things while not playing the games. So, I do not encourage that the young monks put too much time on the games but complete no exposure is also not good. Control and moderation takes discipline which I feel is a virtue which even young monks should develop.

Computer games should be allowed in monasteries however, moderation and censorship are required by the disciplinarian of the monastery. I agree with WB that when they grow and teach lay people, they should be able to relate to the samsaric stuff of the modern people. I personally relate better to a Guru who knows what I do and is not obsolete. My Guru is so in tune with the modern times, gadgets etc. When he teaches he relates Buddha's ancient teachings to my modern lifestyle. I get it and I can apply easily.
Title: Re: Should computer games be allowed in monastery?
Post by: valeriecheung on January 07, 2012, 04:33:15 PM
For my point of view is fine if once a week but not addicted it. Especially for kids is fine because games will train their mind reaction become intelligent. This might let player realize  something during the process of playing. Some games you need to think into it to accomplish target and challenge to next level.
Title: Re: Should computer games be allowed in monastery?
Post by: kris on January 07, 2012, 05:13:54 PM
Nagaseeker, I think I would agree with a few of the replies, that it depends on what kind of games they are playing.

So, how about the following games:
1. Star craft (strategy game which involves killing of enemy troops)
2. Need for speed (racing game, which involves winning other opponents)
3. World of Warcraft
4. IGI Project (action game to kill some other soldiers)
5. FarmVille

Nowadays, it is quite difficult to find an interesting game that does not promote violent :p
Title: Re: Should computer games be allowed in monastery?
Post by: nagaseeker on January 08, 2012, 05:28:23 PM
Nagaseeker, I think I would agree with a few of the replies, that it depends on what kind of games they are playing.

So, how about the following games:
1. Star craft (strategy game which involves killing of enemy troops)
2. Need for speed (racing game, which involves winning other opponents)
3. World of Warcraft
4. IGI Project (action game to kill some other soldiers)
5. FarmVille

Nowadays, it is quite difficult to find an interesting game that does not promote violent :p


kris,

all the games you mentioned were related to 'killing' or how to win over opponents which will definitely affect youngster mind and become violent if play continuously except Farmville....but farmville is a game that waste your time and i don't see how it can train one's mind to become more alert,awareness , and also i don't you can get any knowledge from this game.

i do find star craft is a game that can train us on how to organize things in daily life because it really need you to plan strategy all the times but at the end the purpose of the games is to kill all your opponent......


what about sudoku ? simple yet can train you mind very well. what do you think ,kris ?
Title: Re: Should computer games be allowed in monastery?
Post by: kris on January 08, 2012, 06:36:01 PM
Nagaseeker, I think games like Sudoku, Freecell should be ok, provided he is not too attached to winning the game.
Title: Re: Should computer games be allowed in monastery?
Post by: Mana on January 08, 2012, 10:03:44 PM
If monks are allowed to play soccer, which is very common, likewise they should be allowed to play computer games. What's the harm of computer games played moderately? Which computer genius in the world did not play computer games before? All did, everyone did.

And we are not talking about indulging in computer game, it is with control, so there will be more beneficial then harm. Some of the young monks playing computer games may later develop great websites/computer systems/programs which will help in spreading the Dharma, so definitely it should be encouraged.

Title: Re: Should computer games be allowed in monastery?
Post by: bambi on January 09, 2012, 12:45:30 PM
To me they are still kids therefore it is okay for them to spend some time 'off'.  After all, its only once a week.  We can have off days so why cant they?
It's good for the to learn how to play and use the computer although it is for pleasure. Of course, their games have to be monitored as a lot of them are quite violent and not suitable for kids.
Title: Re: Should computer games be allowed in monastery?
Post by: yontenjamyang on January 09, 2012, 04:55:18 PM
There is more good than harm if they play with supervision. It can develop into useful skills that can benefit the young monks, the monasteries, the Dharma and many others. The important thing is that the monks are still young and needs to relax. Remember Buddhism is the middle way . Have balance. I am sure even older monks chill out sometimes when not in retreats. So this is the same for the young monks.
Title: Re: Should computer games be allowed in monastery?
Post by: sahara on January 09, 2012, 05:26:08 PM
Qoute from negra orquida :
"I think its fine to let monks play with computer games, as it is a good idea for them to have some connection with the secular world, know what is going on so they can relate to laypeople's lives to better communicate with them.  Also a good practice of non-attachment/non-addiction to computer games!"

For my point of view is fine if once a week. Especially for kids is fine because games will train their mind reaction become intelligent.But is only depends on what kind of computer games there play.... the young monks can learn from the  computer systems/programs and  knowledge of the internet than can help to spreading Dharma, definitely it should be encouraged. ;)







Title: Re: Should computer games be allowed in monastery?
Post by: Lawrence L on January 10, 2012, 03:21:27 AM
Is ok for the little monks to have their own 'fun time'.
But the only thing that i concerned is, what are the games they played in monastery?
As most of the monks were lay people just like us, they might still have their own habituation and root of bad qualities. Games that promote violence is scared to trigger the 'bad-side' of them, as they are still kids.

Title: Re: Should computer games be allowed in monastery?
Post by: Dondrup Shugden on January 10, 2012, 04:14:38 AM
In training of young monks, I am certain that "no attachment" is one of the major subjects. With that being taught, I feel that young monks should be given the opportunity to try whatever is prevalent in the "outside" world but with strict rules and conditions that will not distract them.

Yet if the young monks cannot learn "no attachment" from early stages of their training, can they then perform well in teaching the Dharma.

Sounds like I have double standards for ordinary and monastic young people, but that is not true for I believe strongly in the institutions of monastic training and also the karma of the young monks who have chosen the path or given the chance to be on the path to excel.

I believe in the monasteries to teach their young monks well, otherwise we "outside" people are doomed.
After so many words, I believe young monks should be allowed to play computer games under supervision.
Title: Re: Should computer games be allowed in monastery?
Post by: Manjushri on January 18, 2012, 05:02:22 PM
I don't see why computer games should not be allowed in the monastery. I guess with times, even monks have to "come out" and "see what the world is doing", so that in future when they come out to teach the lay people, they can relate and adapt to the constantly changing world.

It can also teach discipline to the monks, that when it comes to Dharma it is Dharma, and when they have their time off, they can do whatever they want. It is good for monks, young or old, to keep improving with skills and exposure, as they might not know when they would need to use it.
Title: Re: Should computer games be allowed in monastery?
Post by: shugdentruth on January 18, 2012, 05:50:22 PM
I really like playing games. But I only play games related to sports. This way, I get addicted but I do not need to look forward to the ending of a story line. I just play game by game trying to beat the next opponent. In other words, playing 10 hours or 20 mins wouldn't make a difference because there is no continuity in the game. It would just mean I faced 1 opponent in 20 mins and 30 opponents in 10 hours. Sports related games are also fun when playing with others.
I normally play football games. I do not replace the game until the newer version is released. This only happens once a year. A year is also just nice for you to try out all the teams you like. So its also cost efficient.
If there are going to be games in the monastery, I would highly recommend sport related games. I think they are not harmful and cost efficient.

Title: Re: Should computer games be allowed in monastery?
Post by: rossoneri on April 29, 2012, 03:18:53 AM
I don't see it is an issue here by allowing computer game in the monastery. We must all learn to adapt into this modern society be it thru the classic way of reading or the modern way of technology, such as computer games. There is various type of games available in the market and would suggest a non-violent and educational related games to be purchased.

I would also suggest that young monks should also learn up on how to operate the computer. It is very important to expose them to the world of technology and how to make use of it to benefit others. Computer classes should also explain the history of the internet and on how it is one of the greatest invention of the world.
Title: Re: Should computer games be allowed in monastery?
Post by: sonamdhargey on April 29, 2012, 04:26:19 AM
Nagaseeker, I think I would agree with a few of the replies, that it depends on what kind of games they are playing.

So, how about the following games:
1. Star craft (strategy game which involves killing of enemy troops)
2. Need for speed (racing game, which involves winning other opponents)
3. World of Warcraft
4. IGI Project (action game to kill some other soldiers)
5. FarmVille

Nowadays, it is quite difficult to find an interesting game that does not promote violent :p


kris,

all the games you mentioned were related to 'killing' or how to win over opponents which will definitely affect youngster mind and become violent if play continuously except Farmville....but farmville is a game that waste your time and i don't see how it can train one's mind to become more alert,awareness , and also i don't you can get any knowledge from this game.

i do find star craft is a game that can train us on how to organize things in daily life because it really need you to plan strategy all the times but at the end the purpose of the games is to kill all your opponent......


what about sudoku ? simple yet can train you mind very well. what do you think ,kris ?

Nagaseeker,

I was a gamer too. I think how pc games effect an individual is very subjective. It really depends on an individual and most of the time when I encounter violent gamers they tend to have a broken family background and use the pc game to went out their frustration. Some pc gamers when challenge and defeated by an opponent will resort to physical violence to square off with each other, this is due their inability to accept defeat and be sporting. Pc games are like any other sports.

Yes I agree that most games now have the killing contents however it does makes us a killer nor violent but i believe that it can be a trigger point for violence for people who already have violent tendencies in them. Some pc games contents are pretty complex that require strategy which I believe can develop our mind to be more quick.

I don't see any wrong for young monks to play pc games but moderation is key as pc games can be addictive and disruptive to their practice of they spend all their time just playing pc games.
Title: Re: Should computer games be allowed in monastery?
Post by: kurava on April 29, 2012, 12:52:04 PM
I think it is fine for young monks to play computer games provided it is done under proper supervision and within control.

Recognizing that computer game addiction has become a social problem, some Christian organizations have set up computer game clinic to get children that are addicted to computer games off their uncontrolable  habit.
Children are sent to these clinics where they are allowed to play computer for a fixed number of hours within each week under the watchful eyes of adults. Parents must cooperate by setting password on their home PCs.

Every thing must not be done in extremes - this is perfectly in accordance with Buddhist philosophy of The Middle view.


Title: Re: Should computer games be allowed in monastery?
Post by: jeremyg on April 29, 2012, 12:55:51 PM
I once watched a video with Kalu Rinpoche on it dancing and singing to some rap music. Some might disagree with a lama acting in their way, but he said something that stuck to me.

"Why can't we have fun? As long as we have fun and we are not hurting ourselves, or anyone, then what is wrong with it?

Those were not his exact words, but it is a shortened form of what he said. And i really agree, what is wrong with letting monks play games in the monastery? There is nothing wrong with computer games, as long as they do no get addicted. It is a nice break from what they would normally do. Even when i went to the monastery the little monks were playing with a rolled piece of cloth as a football and having the times of their lives!
Title: Re: Should computer games be allowed in monastery?
Post by: Aurore on April 29, 2012, 02:57:31 PM
I don't play computer games much as a kid. I only played frogger, pacman and digdug if I ever did. I don't think it's damaging to me as a kid. It's more of an entertainment like my other toys. If children and monk children can have toys, I don't see why they can't play computer games can't be considered a toy but with limited time and restricted types of games.

Recently a friend of mine commented on this ever so popular game such as DRAW SOMETHING. He said that he allows his kids to play this game because it actually teaches them more words, increases their knowledge and learning ability. Games like this can definitely help these young monks to improve their English language!
Title: Re: Should computer games be allowed in monastery?
Post by: Tenzin K on April 29, 2012, 03:03:21 PM
I think its ok for monks to play game in the monasteries. At this computer age a lot of time we need or is a must to use computer to carry out our work better. The most important think is the motivation and of course we can control and subject to the type of game allow.

Playing games is one the way to stimulate our mind and train it think faster. The monks need to be aware of the current advancement of the information technology not for merely for entertainment but is to use the technologies to improve their spiritual growth in a monastery.   
Title: Re: Should computer games be allowed in monastery?
Post by: vajraD on April 29, 2012, 04:31:37 PM
I agree to that monks should be allowed to have computer games as well as other entertainment if they choose to have one. Computers is one of the methood to socialize with the society. In these modern world to spread the dharma we cant just expect people to walk in to the temple to receive the dharma anymore like the pass. With computers monks can also learn up languages too. I have know of kids that is really weak in english and there were improvement of his english with games. Some computer games need us to convers in proper english and I think the parents must have taken time out to check the games before allowing the kid to play with it.

Everyone needs a break so does the monks.
Title: Re: Should computer games be allowed in monastery?
Post by: Jessie Fong on May 05, 2012, 10:00:07 AM
Times have changed - the monastery should allow computer games as a form of recreation for the monks.  On their laundry days, they can use the computer to give them a feel of the world outside of monastery life.  Allowing computer games also allows the monks to be able to plan their time so that they are aware that they should not be "hooked" on the games.  It is a better alternative to let them play computer games in the monastery itself (in the computer room) than for them to seek this play-time outside of the monastery.  They would also learn to realise how addictive it could be and from their experience be able to share with other people.
Title: Re: Should computer games be allowed in monastery?
Post by: ratanasutra on May 05, 2012, 06:08:15 PM
Kids, toy and game are always together as kids are attract to toys and games. Of course thirty years ago there is no computer game so kids will play other game with more on to use skilful, exercise and play as a group..

Now a day, technology have influence many things in our life, we chat and email instead of sending letter like last time as it quick, fast and free.

Computer become one of necessary things in house apart from TV like last time. What we want to know ie news, temperature, weather, exchange rate etc we can search and find an answer from online network via computer and of course there are games in computer as well.

I think we should allow young monk to play computer games in the monastery as it still under control and as the same time they also learn up other thing from playing the games.


   

Title: Re: Should computer games be allowed in monastery?
Post by: biggyboy on May 06, 2012, 06:00:59 AM
With this current age of time and situations, I think computer games should be allowed in monastery for young and old monks.  They should not be secluded and disconnected from the 'outside' world.  This is only once a week.  Why not?  Let them to do what they need, want to do and entertain. 

On computer, they can be on social medias and to learn too.  Having this kind of facility will encourage them to understand more, to learn and help others.  In fact, computer has become a necessity nowadays.  What else with smart phones now!  We can't even leave it at home too!  We need to be connected...likewise for the monks too.
Title: Re: Should computer games be allowed in monastery?
Post by: ilikeshugden on May 19, 2012, 11:43:46 PM
I think that computer games in monasteries should be encouraged. However, violent video games should be discouraged too. Playing computers will be a good way for the young monks to be "released" from their monk duties temporarily. A recent study from the Education Development Center and the U.S. Congress-supported Ready To Learn Initiative found that a curriculum that involved digital media such as video games could improve early literacy skills when coupled with strong parental and teacher involvement. This information was processed through various websites that I found regarding the benefits of video games on an intellectual level. Personally, video games have had an impact on my life as I would learn things like team work from playing video games that have a team system, video games also give the player a sense of responsibility through collections of items or through quests to be completed.
Title: Re: Should computer games be allowed in monastery?
Post by: Aurore on May 27, 2012, 06:46:39 AM
I once watched a video with Kalu Rinpoche on it dancing and singing to some rap music. Some might disagree with a lama acting in their way, but he said something that stuck to me.

"Why can't we have fun? As long as we have fun and we are not hurting ourselves, or anyone, then what is wrong with it?

I agree with what Kalu Rinpoche says. What he is teaching the world is that it's ok to have fun and be ourselves as long as we are not harming others.

I think this is a good lesson to learn for anyone and especially parents. Kids whether in the monastery or outside the monastery will be exposed to video games, all sorts of tv channels, movies, friends who will be one of the main influence in their lives. It will be difficult to control one's children this way. What is important is to teach children the good values and morality. They can fun all they like if they are brought up well. Then even when mixing with friends who are bad influence, their minds will still remain stable.

Likewise for children in monastery, the dharma that they received daily will not affect them even if they were to play violent video games.
Title: Re: Should computer games be allowed in monastery?
Post by: Tammy on June 02, 2012, 03:02:57 AM
Kris,

Good topic! I should have found this earlier haha..

I think the availability of computers and internet is vital in any educational institutions, monasteries included. Why? Because in this days and age, people are connected via the cyberspace by using applications such as emails, sms, whatsapp, LINES, Viber and Facebook! Without these, we would not be in touch with the world.

Spreading Buddha's precious teaching via the internet is the most effective and efficient way.

Coming back to the issue of allowing understudies in monasteries to play computer games - well I think if it is well controlled to prevent them going into gambling games and over indulgence, it is a good way to learn how to use the computer and a form of relaxation. Just like in other schools.