The value of the monastic community
31 Following in the Buddha's Footsteps
Venerable Thubten Chodron 
Volume 4 Following in the Buddha's Footsteps 
Nov 22, 2024 Part of an ongoing series of teachings based on the book Following in the Buddha's Footsteps, the fourth volume in The Library of Wisdom and Compassion series by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Venerable Thubten Chodron.
- Two purposes of monastic community
- Transmitted dharma and realized dharma
- Monasteries help the monastics and the public
- Living together following ethical codes and free from consumer culture
- Content following a simple lifestyle
- Practicing the Pratimoksha ethical codes is one’s guide
- Results from the practice and harmony of the monastic community
31 The Value of The Monastic Community (download)
Contemplation points
- What is the special purpose of the Sangha in the world? How do monasteries help to fulfill this special purpose?
- What is the value of the Sangha living a simple lifestyle with few possessions?
- What did the Buddha say he left for spiritual practitioners to guide them on the path once he passed? How does the Sangha practicing together in harmony support this?
- According to the teachings, what brings peace and happiness to our lives?
Venerable Thubten Chodron
Venerable Chodron emphasizes the practical application of Buddha’s teachings in our daily lives and is especially skilled at explaining them in ways easily understood and practiced by Westerners. She is well known for her warm, humorous, and lucid teachings. She was ordained as a Buddhist nun in 1977 by Kyabje Ling Rinpoche in Dharamsala, India, and in 1986 she received bhikshuni (full) ordination in Taiwan. Read her full bio.
