Being a Monk

So why would someone want to become a monk?  Especially when you have to follow 227 rules.
A few being....
They are not allowed to touch a woman or else they can't eat for a week.  They are also not allowed to have a conversation with a woman without the presence of another male.
They can't masturbate.
They have to wear the same clothes day after day.
They are not allowed to drink alcohol.
They are not allowed to swim in water for pleasure.
They can not tickle other monks.  (That one made me laugh!)
And they must meditate for at least three hours a day.

So why would someone want to give up the warmth of a woman, or the luxury of swimming.
It's considered a merit to the family for their son to become a monk for a certain period of time.  It is up to the monk to decide how long they want to continue with this kind of lifestyle.  Even if that means one day, a month, a year, or till they die.
They get everything payed for from donations.  People who are Buddhist, which is 95% of the population, believe it is good luck for their family and them to give money to monks.
Modern day society allows for monks to use computers, watch TV, and even smoke.
They even have a place to stay, which is at the temple.
I have even heard of monks owning cars and being able to travel.  I should know since getting onto the plane from Hong Kong to Bangkok a monk was standing right in front of me. 



So for all the rules that they must follow there are benefits to their lifestyle.