Ideology, Interface and Interdependence: Some Reflections on Lay-Monastic Dynamics in Early Indian Buddhism
Keywords:
Laity, Piety, Renunciation, Monasticism, Interface, Interdependence, Sociability, ConvergenceAbstract
Perceptions of the past that emanate from Buddhist religious concerns cannot be understood in isolation. They have to be woven in relation to the contemporary political affairs, its own community and beyond and also with networks of economic activities and exchanges. The paper proposes to represent an interactive connection of the Buddhist sangha with the world which initially comes about by delineating itself for spiritual fulfillment from the mundane or the worldly. Yet at the same time the role, responsibilities and challenges of the laity are put forth to reflect on the two sides of the spectrum of the twofold Buddhist Community. These two sides of the spectrum of the Buddhist world often converge in the stories of Buddha’s former birth i.e. the Jatakas primarily to uphold the Buddhist teachings and ideals. Through the lengthy narratives of the Jataka stories lay- monastic dynamics is being attempted to discern an understanding of the modalities of everyday lives and working of the sangha with its social base. Therefore, Gihi-sangha relations are viewed through everyday understandings rather than idealized parameters.
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