Buddhism in Five Minutes - Elizabeth J. Harris
30. What is the Role of Monasticism in Buddhism?
Buddhism in Five Minutes - Elizabeth J. Harris
Ann Heirman [+]
University of Ghent
Ann Heirman is Professor of Chinese Language and Culture and head of the Centre for Buddhist Studies at Ghent University in Belgium.
Description
Buddhist monasticism has played a highly influential role in the study, dissemination, and impact of Buddhism. Indeed, monastics may be seen as both the guardians and the transmitters of Buddhist culture, particularly in Asia. Consequently, it is safe to say that Buddhist history—and, by extension, Asian history—would have developed very differently in their absence.