Final answer:
Buddhist monks renounce everything to adhere to the Four Noble Truths and follow the Eightfold Path, aiming to achieve enlightenment by extinguishing desires which cause suffering. This practice aligns with the Buddhist principle that suffering comes from attachment to desires and removing such attachments is key to reaching a state of peace and enlightenment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reason why you would have to renounce everything if you become a Buddhist monk is closely tied to the core teachings of Buddhism, which include the Four Noble Truths and the concept of the Eightfold Path (or the Middle Way). These teachings are centered around the understanding that life inherently involves suffering (dukkha), and this suffering arises from attachment to desires. According to Buddhist philosophy, to attain enlightenment, or nirvana, one must extinguish these desires. Monks, as part of their religious practice, renounce worldly possessions and desires to help cease suffering and to achieve a moral life aligned with the Middle Way. Becoming a monk involves a commitment to focus on spiritual development and contributing to the welfare of all beings through self-discipline and meditation.
The correct answer to the question is B) Desires create suffering. This concept is fundamental to Buddhist belief and is one of the reasons why renouncing worldly goods and desires is a crucial aspect of monastic life. By overcoming attachment and craving, Buddhist monks aim for a state of enlightenment where they aren't ruled by desire, as described in the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. Achieving enlightenment in Buddhism is not about reaching a state where you have everything you want, but rather reaching a state of peace by relinquishing attachments and desires. Furthermore, the term 'Buddha' means 'The Awakened One' (Answer D), indicating the awakened state of understanding and comprehension of the true nature of reality. The ultimate goal for a monk is to reach enlightenment, not to become a higher being or to help the poor through sacrifice, although those may be byproducts of their spiritual journey.