Sangha refers to the monastic community in Buddhism. Investments related to Buddhist sanghas can take many forms. Monasteries and temples often require donations and financial support for operations, expansion projects, assisting monks and nuns, etc. Some sanghas also engage in small business activities to generate revenue, as well as managing investment funds and endowments. Understanding sangha investments requires delving into the relationship between money and spirituality.
Donations and Offerings to Support Sangha Activities
Lay Buddhists often make donations, both monetary and in-kind, to sanghas and monasteries as a way to make merit according to Buddhist teachings. These donations help support the living costs of monks and nuns, maintenance of temple grounds, funding of rituals and ceremonies, charitable works, etc. Major fundraising campaigns may be launched for large capital projects like constructing new monastery buildings or temples. Besides direct donations, lay followers also give offerings for specific services like dedicating merits of a puja.
Sangha-Owned Businesses and Investments
While monks and nuns generally live simple lives themselves, some monasteries and temples operate businesses to financially support their communities. For example, manufacturing and selling incense, prayer beads, statues, and religious items. Other income sources can include renting out facilities for events, operating vegetarian restaurants, etc. Profits fund the sangha’s operating budget and activities like running schools. Large, well-funded sanghas may also manage investment portfolios including stocks, bonds, real estate to grow their endowments.
Building Relationships through Dana and Generosity
Giving donations or offerings to the sangha is an act of dana or generosity in Buddhism. It helps build spiritual connections between lay followers and monastics. Rather than mere transactions, dana allows one to practicedetachment from money and cultivate wisdom. While sangha investments aim to create financial sustainability, the heart of the monastic community’s relationship with lay society rests on faith, trust and teachings.
In summary, sangha investments encompass a broad range of capital flows supporting Buddhist monastic communities. Determining appropriate and ethical investments aligned with Buddhist values requires skillful means and consensus from the monastics.