Role and Importance of the Lay Community AO1

Role of the Lay Community

95% of the Buddhist community
Educate the community about Buddhism and support those who struggle on the path
Abide by the dhamma, uphold the 5 precepts and promote the 6 parammitas (e.g. dana-giving)
Uphold sila and the basic concepts of metta (loving kindness) and karuna (compassion). This benefits the community while helping them gain enlightenment
Provide food for the monks in the daily alms round and clothes at the Kathina ceremony
Puja (worship)- Buddha should be honoured so they can have a shrine to him and offer fruits as a sign of respect. They can meditate and contemplate here

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Propogate Buddhism. As monks are celibate and unmarried, it is left to the lay community to bring children up and educate them in the Buddhist tradition
Allow for the formation of spiritual friendships within families and provide each other with support on the path
Provide rules to promote Buddhist legislation, for example the King of Thailand
Support the monastic community- handle money, pay bills, provide food and clothes, sponsor monks and help with the upkeeps of the monasteries

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