Why Would The Isolation Of Buddhist Monks Contribute To The Religion’s Decline?

Why Would The Isolation Of Buddhist Monks Contribute To The Religion’s Decline? – Answering this question is not easy. And the question itself is pretty delicate and deep. To really understand it, we have to see what Buddhism really is. And who the Buddhist monks are.

Buddhism

It is the fourth largest religion in our planet. And it has over a half billion followers. Representing 7% of the global population. Buddhism is a religious philosophy originated in India between the 6^th – 4^th centuries B.C.E. But then it quickly spread over large parts of Asia. Although, then it started to decline in India, during the middle ages. Buddhism is mostly based on teachings attributed to Buddha, the enlightened one. The main purpose of this religion is to find enlightenment and to end suffering. In other words, the goal is to escape the process of reincarnation or rebirth into suffering. Which can be reached by intense meditation and isolation. And it is very seriously practiced by Buddhist Monks.

Why Would The Isolation Of Buddhist Monks Contribute To The Religion’s Decline?

Buddhist Monks

Buddhist monks and nuns are the pillars of Buddhism. They are the ones who preserve and spread the Buddhist teachings. The Buddhist monasticism was founded by Guatama Buddha himself, during his lifetime. Therefore, it dates back to the 5th-4^th century B.C. In its early forms, Buddhist monasticism was not isolationist. Because the monks needed provisions of food and clothing from the community. Who received teachings in return. But in time, the monasteries got bigger. And the number of monks got higher. Until they were able to survive on their own. Providing their own food and clothes.

This is the main reason that lead to their isolation. Therefore, now you should already sense the answer to the question Why Would The Isolation Of Buddhist Monks Contribute To The Religion’s Decline?

Why Would The Isolation Of Buddhist Monks Contribute To The Religion’s Decline?

Finally, the answer to the question Why Would The Isolation Of Buddhist Monks Contribute To The Religion’s Decline? Is really complex. The numerous spiritual practices forced the Buddhist monks to isolate themselves and to concentrate on their own path toward Nirvana. The isolation prohibited them from helping others and spreading Buddhist teachings. Slowly leading to the decline of the religion. And slowly decreasing the number of new initiates or monks. It is a very sad thing, though. Because Buddhism is a religion with a wide and beautiful history. Which should be preserved. And spread.