Monks
follow the teachings of Buddhism either as a philosophy or a religion. They
focus on studying the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold path. They value each
moment as a learning experience and work with various texts to understand the
path to enlightenment and to Nirvana. The Nirvana is believed to be a state of
state of pure consciousness free from mind-contaminants such as anger, greed
and intolerance. Monks seek to move upward to higher levels. The highest one
is Boddhisvattva, which is for the ones who has reached enlightenment, but
chose not to ascend to Nirvana so they can stay in the realm to help others
reach enlightenment.