Since the time of the Buddha, the monastic sangha has grown, transformed, and adapted to different contexts as Buddhism spread to new places, manifesting in various ways. Mahakasyapa presided over the First Buddhist Council following the parinirvana (death) of the Buddha, assuming leadership of the monastic community. Maudgalyayana and Sariputra were two of the first monks under the Buddha. Prajapati was the first to establish an order of nuns.

Monastics often live together as a community, but some monastic traditions emphasize wandering and living off alms. The different types of monastic traditions can usually be identified by the color of the robes they wear.

Monastic vows and monastic communities provide support for individuals, allowing them to dedicate their lives to the practice of the dharma fully. Monastic communities also play a vital role in maintaining and preserving Buddhist traditions.

The monastic sangha serves as a vital resource for lay practitioners, offering both inspiration and support to the lay community. Through making offerings to the monastic sangha and supporting their activities, lay practitioners can cultivate merit and engage in acts of generosity.

Monks and nuns play an important part in the sangha and in preserving the Buddhist traditions, although their roles have changed over time and are expressed differently by different traditions. Ordained sangha typically give up worldly possessions, sexual relations, and responsibilities which allows them to devote themselves to studying and practicing the teachings of the Buddha.

Reflect on interactions with the ordained sangha. Consider taking vows for a short time (such as one day or one week).

• How would it feel to be a monk or a nun?
• How does it feel to keep vows?

Analyze the historical development and contemporary roles of monastic communities across Buddhist traditions, evaluate the relationship between ordained and lay practitioners in preserving and transmitting dharma, and demonstrate understanding of how monastic traditions adapt to cultural contexts while maintaining essential functions.