The monastic Sangha and its changing role in Thailand
Sangha can refer to all Buddhists, however Theravada tradition suggests that it refers to the order of Bikkhus and Bikkhunis.
Buddha and his followers originally traveled around India, Buddhists now tend to remain settled in viharas
Lay community support monastic community through merit making - giving alms. Monastics return the favour by teaching laypeople and providing community centres and offering accommodation during religious festivals