Buddhism in The Modern World

The Buddhist Community

The Sangha is the Buddhist community made up of ordained monks, nuns and lay practitioners.
Central to the community is the role of monastics who live a disciplined life devoted to study, meditation and the service of others.
Lay Buddhists support the monastic community through their donations and service, for which they earn religious merit.
Taking Refuge in the Three Jewels - the Buddha, the Dharma (his teachings), and the Sangha (the monastic community) - is a fundamental practise for all Buddhists.
Regular gatherings occur at temples and monasteries for prayer, teaching, and communal practises.

Often referred to as “the Teachings of the Elders”, Theravada Buddhism is considered the oldest form of Buddhism.
Central to Theravada Buddhism is the understanding of the individual’s path to Nirvana through self-effort.
The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path form the foundation of Theravada teachings.
Monasticism is heavily emphasised, with monks and nuns playing a critical role in the spiritual life of the community.

Mahayana means “Great Vehicle” and it emerged as a more accessible interpretation of Buddhism.
It introduces the concept of Bodhisattvas - those who delay their own Nirvana to help others attain Enlightenment.
The ideal of the Bodhisattva path promotes compassion and altruism towards all beings.
Shifting emphasis from the individual’s liberation to the liberation of all beings is a key tenet of Mahayana Buddhism.

The Madhyamika school of thought, founded by Nagarjuna, is central to Mahayana philosophy.
It proposes a “middle way” between existence and non-existence.
Through the concept of sunyata (emptiness), it rejects all concepts of ultimate reality.

Secular Buddhism has emerged as a non-religious approach to Buddhist teachings, focusing on mindfulness and psychological aspects.
Engaged Buddhism brings Buddhist principles to social, political, and environmental issues.
The spread of Buddhism to the West has led to adaptations and new Buddhist practises, with an emphasis on lay practise and mindfulness.