The number of wives a Buddhist can have depends on the specific Buddhist tradition they follow.
Buddhism and Marriage
Buddhism does not have a single, universal set of rules regarding marriage. Different Buddhist traditions have different views on marriage and the number of spouses allowed.
Theravada Buddhism
In Theravada Buddhism, the dominant tradition in Southeast Asia, monks are expected to be celibate. Lay Buddhists can marry, but there is no restriction on the number of spouses. However, it's important to note that polygamy is not common in Theravada Buddhist societies.
Mahayana Buddhism
In Mahayana Buddhism, which is prevalent in East Asia, the practice of polygamy is generally discouraged. While there are no explicit prohibitions against it, most Mahayana Buddhist traditions emphasize monogamous relationships.
Tibetan Buddhism
Tibetan Buddhism allows for polygamy in certain circumstances. For example, some high-ranking lamas may have multiple wives. However, this is not a common practice and is typically reserved for individuals with specific religious roles.
Conclusion
The number of wives a Buddhist can have is not determined by a single, universal rule. Different Buddhist traditions have different views on marriage and polygamy.
