The Conventional Sangha
The monastic order is called the conventional Sangha because admission to the order depends entirely on the convention of ordination, which can be given to any properly qualified candidate. It does not require any special spiritual attainment, but simply a person who wishes to enter the order and is free from any of the conditions that obstruct ordination.
The monastic Sangha is regarded as extremely precious, and worthy of deep reverence and respect for two basic reasons. Firstly because the monks continue to follow the holy life laid down by the Buddha in its fullness, and secondly because they transmit the teaching from generation to generation, out of concern for the welfare of others.
The Buddha established the Sangha in order to provide ideal conditions for reaching the ariyan state, for attaining Nibbana.
