Soldier or Monk which would you choose?

Pythos · Post by **Pythos** » Fri Dec 09, 2005 9:37 am

Soldier or Monk, you must choose one and you must choose now.

That's how the question was posed to me. No explanation, no definitions, and all I got for my answer was an exasperated sigh.

That was a long time ago. Thus I have had time to ponder the question. I have decided that it comes down to perception. How one views the roles of the two choices, would determine the answer. Yet these can easily include misconceptions, as each individual would have different ideas as to the basic qualities of each.

For me, I viewed each in relation to their approach to life in my opinion. I saw the Soldier as taking the active, aggressive role in life. While the monk a more inactive, passive role. In other words.

The Soldier takes an active role in having the courage to fight for the ideals he subscribe too.

The Monk on the other hand, in his solitary life of prayer, takes a more inactive role and can only passively resist.

One could easily see it completely the opposite.

The Monk has the Freedom to do as he pleases, while the Soldier can only blindly follow orders. Though these are misconceptions. The Monk is constrained to Papal dictates, and the Soldier is only expected to follow lawfull orders, in effect "Massacre the women and children" would not be obeyed.

One could also say that the Monk seeks only God, and the Soldier seeks only glory.

Or that the Soldier strives to live to see victory, while the Monk strives to be martyred that others may be saved.

In a sense the two could be seen as a classic symbiotic relationship.

The Monk needs the Soldier for protection and the Soldier needs the Monk for absolution.

It never hurts to get a different point of view. So I am throwing it out there.

Which would you choose and why?

SOJOURNER · Post by **SOJOURNER** » Fri Dec 09, 2005 10:00 am

Definitely the MONK.......

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minks · Post by **minks** » Fri Dec 09, 2005 10:29 am

Monk I guess......

thought I would suck at it, silence and me...... ahahaha nevah!

SweetDarlin · Post by **SweetDarlin** » Fri Dec 09, 2005 10:34 am

If they had asked me in my first 29 years I might have said monk. But I've always been a fighter. As peaceful as I wish things could be... when push comes to shove I'm gonna kick your ass! :sneaky:

chonsigirl · Post by **chonsigirl** » Fri Dec 09, 2005 1:10 pm

Well, I couldn't be a monk, I'm a girl. But I would be a scholar, and devout myself to study and writing, which I only do in my spare time now. I am not made out to be a soldier, except in the classroom when I am drilling kids!

CountryDweller · Post by **CountryDweller** » Fri Dec 09, 2005 2:49 pm

Pythos wrote: Soldier or Monk, you must choose one and you must choose now.

The Soldier takes an active role in having the courage to fight for the ideals he subscribe too.

Soldier. Git-R-Done and not swayed easily.

OpenMind · Post by **OpenMind** » Fri Dec 09, 2005 6:36 pm

I would be a monk. In the performing of his duties, a monk learns the secrets of life. If needs be, he may momentarily become a soldier to defend life. A true monk always has God to provide light, nourishment and joy.

Monks make wine, and understand the power of herbs. They lead simple uncomplicated lives. Yet they are disciplined - in life, loyalty, love, wisdom, and prayers. And God rewards them.

Soldiers serve men. Their fortunes are dependent on the wisdom of their leaders. They die for the whims of politicians. They are disciplined in battle, tribal loyalty, mistrust, infiltration, hatred, skills, and patrons. Pity the soldier, for no one rewards them but for a moment of glory.

nvalleyvee · Post by **nvalleyvee** » Fri Dec 09, 2005 6:39 pm

I'm a soldier.............always have been. I had to fight my entire life. I much prefer the term Amazon woman though. My docs call me that. Warrior woman.....:wah:

nvalleyvee · Post by **nvalleyvee** » Fri Dec 09, 2005 6:53 pm

Far Rider wrote: *slowly sinks to one knee before the great goddess NV*

your wish is my command AW!

You should see me in my Wonder Woman costume...............on second thought.....at 50 maybe you shouldn't...........

Accountable · Post by **Accountable** » Fri Dec 09, 2005 6:59 pm

skittles2004 wrote: Soldier. Because i want to be one anyway so monks are just too peaceful for me!!!I used to be a hermit. Now I'm a soldier. It takes wisdom to be a good one.

Galbally · Post by **Galbally** » Fri Dec 09, 2005 7:43 pm

I would preffer to be a general, as I like giving orders, but I can take them if I had to, so solider I guess, though I wouldn't choose it. Monk, well interesting too I suppose, but probably a solider as that seems to have been the family business for the last few hundred years.

K.Snyder · Post by **K.Snyder** » Fri Dec 09, 2005 7:47 pm

I choose to be a monk untill it is time to fight......

then I must strive for glory so that I may live the rest of my life in peace with the people I love.

:-6

:-6

jennyswan · Post by **jennyswan** » Sat Dec 10, 2005 9:59 am

A Monk please!!

A respect for human knowledge!!

SOJOURNER · Post by **SOJOURNER** » Sat Dec 10, 2005 12:18 pm

jennyswan, I think you have a relative of mine there...............

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