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Bhikshuni in the USA

Bhikshuni are members of the 2 part Sangha.

Accreditation in Buddhism in the USA

Traditional Buddhist schools that carry forth the Vinaya ordinations of bhikshu/bhikkhu and bhikshuni/bhikkhuni have guidelines set forth by Buddha in the precepts of Vinaya pratimoksa/patimokkha. Buddhist Monastics in both Theravada and Mahayana uphold the precepts and are guided where, how, when and who is able to receive dharma teachings.

The precept holders in both traditions from novice to fully ordained Buddhist Monastics are capable of teaching Buddha dharma. Once they are fully ordained in both traditions they are in a symbiotic relationship with the laity and are often sought out for dharma teachings. In fact, interdependence of laity and Sangha is what has helped Buddhism remain in the world today. It is often misunderstood by Westerners and those Asians who have no experience with Buddhist culture that there is always a continuous need of preservation of Buddha dharma in the form of the Triple Jewel. This Triple Jewel is the Buddha (Sakyamuni, the historical Buddha), the Dharma (Sakyamuni teachings and those of his disciples and resultant generations after), the Sangha (the past and the present resident Sangha of Bhikshu and Bhikshuni).

Both traditions have laity that are capable dharma teachers, this is often the case where exceptional self-study, practice and speaking skill are noted and sought after by people interested in furthering their Buddhist practice. This is not well known among the West and often flouted by trendsetters in Buddhism. Often by the support of the Sangha and the community in which they are living or active they become well known as capable dharma teachers. Some even found temples.

City of 10,000 Buddhas  Traditional Chinese Buddhism in daily service and monastic clothing with an emphasis on practices in the Buddha Hall of various services such as 10,000 Buddha Names Recitations, Chan Meditation Retreats, and special practice sessions; this dharma place is the largest and the most unique in that it houses both traditions to reside and cultivate there including a large residence for laity and and elder care home, two elementary schools and 2 high schools. They have Dharma Realm Buddhist University that offers laity and monastic education. Ordinations for novices and full ordinations; lay precepts offered regularly and university education are regular and graduates who are laity may receive up to a MA in Buddhist studies.

Hsi Lai Temple is the second largest Chinese Buddhist monastery in the West. They are known for a type of Buddhist practice that they define as Humanistic Buddhism. Ven. Master Hsing Yun has written extensively on this style of practice that is very popular in Taiwan and elsewhere. Services are in Chinese and all of the monastics are extremely well educated and multi-lingual. They are known for their publications in Buddha Dharma, their proflic works by Ven Hsing Yun, art galleries, museums, tea houses, and disaster relief efforts. They are very political in Taiwan and carry their commitment to communities in which they reside and build temples. Ordinations shared throughout their affiliations worldwide usually annually or every 2 years or so; regular lay training programs and precepts, many university and colleges worldwide to educate oneself in Buddhism.

Chuang Yen Monastery in upstate New York is the largest in the East. It's also a unique monastery that is known for having either Theravada or Mahayana abbots for considerable amounts of time. They are known as a way place for travelling monastics to temporarily reside thus increasing the variety and flavor of their community and improving their laity's contact with other traditions and languages. Often provides retreats for lay training and precepts, rarely conducts ordinations.

Dharma Drum Mountain is the second largest in the East. the founder the late Ven. Sheng Yen emphasized a return to orthodox Buddhism or rather a removal of other cultural practices known in Daoism and Confucius-ism. Ordinations overseas branch in Taiwan, education programs, regular lay training and precepts; excellent education programs and retreats.