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ethical decision-making in modern life. Encouraging Venerable Āyasmā Aggacitta is
dialogue and providing opportunities for questions can the founder of the Sāsanārakkha
clarify misunderstandings and deepen understanding. Buddhist Sanctuary (SBS) in
Emphasizing the universal values of compassion, Taiping, Perak, a Pāli scholar and a
mindfulness, and ethical conduct inherent in the Vinaya meditation teacher.
helps bridge cultural and conceptual gaps, fostering a
more meaningful connection between lay practitioners
and Buddhist teachings. Ven. Min Wei is a teacher of e-learning at the
International Buddhist College (IBC) and an
Tsepal: In Asian countries, the monastery or temple was independent translator of Buddhism.
the center of a Buddhist community, with commonly
accepted traditional roles and practices for monastics Venerable Tenzin Tsepal was
and laity. Monastics engaged in intensive study and ordained by HH The 14th Dalai
meditation and gave teachings to the lay community. Lama in 2001 and received her
The lay community, in return, provided for the sangha’s higher ordination in Taiwan in
material needs, kept lay precepts, and engaged in 2019. She is currently a nun
virtuous deeds to create merit. residing at Sravasti Abbey, USA,
supporting Ven Thubten Chodron in
In many contemporary, non-Asian societies, lay-lead her teachings.
Dharma centers often fill the role of the monastery.
More lay Buddhists have become Dharma teachers, thus
challenging traditional roles.

Lay practitioners are better educated and are interested
in Dharma study and practice within lay life. They value
democratic principles and individualism and are less
inclined to follow hierarchical structures.

The Buddha wanted a fourfold assembly—lay and
monastic male and female practitioners—and said that
when the harmonious practice of the fourfold assembly
exists, his teaching will remain long in this world. He
himself lived as a monk from the time he left the palace
until he passed away, demonstrating the importance
and benefit of monastic life. Leaving the home life
provides ideal conditions for reducing distraction and
craving and achieving inner states of liberation and
enlightenment. Any lay practitioner will attest that
serious practice is more challenging when engaged
in sexual relationships, raising a family, running a
household, and having bills to pay! EH