Explain the role of the monastic sangha in Buddhism.
Explain the role of the monastic sangha in Buddhism. The monastic sangha is the focus of Buddhist life. The original bhikkhus who followed the Buddha were homeless wanderers who dressed in rags and slept under trees. Most modern monks now live in a monastery and wear robes that have been donated by lay people. The lifestyle of a monk is strict due to the two hundred and twenty seven moral precepts and other rules which the monk has to live by according to the Vinaya. Monks have few personal possessions in order to be detached as possible from worldly possessions.