Finger in the Dyke: Budhist Monasticism in an Age of Decline

Tenzin Palmo

The Three Jewels – the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha – are the pillars of the Buddhist community and the foundations of Buddhist practice. In the 21st century, the jewel of the monastic Sangha faces great challenges due to changing global values, a more educated and independent lay community, and internal corruption and scandals. In this paper, I will address the question of whether the rise of educated and dedicated female monastics can help save the situation. Perhaps the challenges of consumerism, sensuality, and greed are destined to overwhelmed Buddhist values of contentment, restraint, and simplicity. Or perhaps nuns, through inner discipline and outer social conscience, will be able to help preserve the relevancy of the Sangha and traditional values in contemporary life.