How Does Buddhism Affect Sangha Life?

The ability of the Vinaya to adapt to present times and circumstances is an aspect of Buddhism that is particularly interesting, especially given that many religions are anchored in the traditions of the past and tend not to change with the times very easily or smoothly. In Ch. 4 of Foundations, Gethin says “The existence and survival of the Sangha for well over two millennia in diverse cultures is a measure of the Vinaya’s success in establishing a structure that is tight enough to prevent disintegration… but flexible enough to allow for adaptation to the particular circumstances” (p. 92). Not only does the Vinaya remain flexible, but Gethin believes its flexibility to be one reason that Buddhism has spread throughout vastly different cultures and belief systems without losing valuable parts of its core identity, like the Sangha. …show more content…
How much can the Vinaya be altered to make Sangha life fit with modern times of excessive luxury and how does it balance these indulgences out with the message of the dharma? Essentially, how does the Vinaya and Sangha alter themselves to attract new monks into the Sangha with all the luxuries that are abundant now? I’m curious especially given the economic situation (rapid increase in wealth/wealthy people) and the wealth inequality of much of India, Sri Lanka, and, to a lesser extent, some parts of East Asia. What kind of people join the Sangha in 2017–legacy monks and nuns who are born into it, or do outsiders join as

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