Clergy

Clergy is the generic term used to describe the formal religious leadership within a given religion. The term comes from Greek κληρος (fortune, or metaphorically, heritage).

Buddhism

The original Buddhist clergy were the Sanghas, the order of monks and the order of nuns, which were founded by Gautama Buddha during his lifetime of missionary work in the 5th century BCE. These monks and nuns followed the patimokkha, a strict code of poverty and discipline. In modern times, however, the role of Buddhist clergy can vary greatly across different countries. For instance, Korea, Japan, and, in some cases, in Tibet, Buddhist priests are allowed to marry, which is forbidden under the patimokkha. On the other hand, countries practicing Theravada Buddhism, such as Thailand, Burma, and Sri Lanka, tend to take a much more conservative view of monastic life. In the United States, depending on the sect of Buddhism, ordains it's clergy through education, training, and experience. Buddhist priests take on the role as "minister" or "pastor" within the temple organization, thereby the use of the title, "Reverend". Today, Buddhist clergy function in the sameway as their Christian counterparts. Ministers do counseling, study classes, write articles for newsletters, preform wedding, funeral, and other rites of passage. They participate in interfaith activities, serve as chaplains in hospitals, police and fire departments, military, and in corrections.

Related Topics:
Buddhist - Sangha - Gautama Buddha - 5th century BCE - Patimokkha - Korea - Japan - Tibet - Theravada - Thailand - Burma - Sri Lanka

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