A monastery is the best place to practice Buddhism

(Paragraph 1) Point and explanation for

Provide a peaceful environment free from distraction. This allows Buddhists to be more thoroughly concentrated on their meditation or other activities without being confronted with things that would distract them, leading them to become more spiritually developed and closer to enlightenment

A Buddhist reference supporting this

The Dalai Lama stated the most important aspect about meditation is to apply it continuously and monasteries take away distractions so that one can do this

(Paragraph 1)Another point and explanation

Provide a place where knowledge and experience can be shared. This is because a Buddhist would have access to the Sangha at a monastery, and the Sangha can be beneficial offering teachings and advice to help Buddhists reach enlightenment

Quotation showing the importance of the Sangha

Sangha offers “Hospitality, offerings and reverential salutation, and the supreme field of merit in the world” - Dhammapada

(Paragraph 2) A point countering the fact that monasteries offer a place free from distractions

A Buddhist can find calm places which are free from distractions elsewhere and therefore a monastery may not be viewed as the best place to practice Buddhism. This is because a peaceful forest is distraction free and provides tranquility, and it is also much easier to access so therefore it could be deemed as a more superior place of practice for a Buddhist

(Paragraph 3) Point against the statement

The Buddha attained enlightenment under a Bodhi tree and did not access a monastery throughout his spiritual journey, and therefore a monastery might not be the best place to practice Buddhism. This is because the example of the Buddha demonstrates how enlightenment is not dependent on a monastic lifestyle, and one can practice Buddhism else where with the same beneficial results

(Paragraph 3) Another point against the statement

A Mahayana Buddhist may argue that the best way to practice Buddhism is not in a monastery, but by committing compassionate acts in the society. This is because helping others through love and compassion generates good karma and allow Buddhists to develop ethics such as the six perfections, spiritually progressing and leading closer to enlightenment

A quotation showing the importance of compassion

“If you knew what I knew about the power of giving, you would not let a single meal pass without sharing it in some way” - The Buddha

(Paragraph 4) Point countering the fact that the Buddha achieved enlightenment under a Bodhi tree

Although the Buddha achieved enlightenment under a Bodhi tree, he himself tried numerous methods so a monastery could still be viewed as the best place to practice Buddhism. This is because there is no significant value in the Buddha’s enlightenment method and so monasteries can still provide a better environment for spiritual progress and one could reach enlightenment faster in a monastery than under a Bodhi tree

What is your conclusion?

Disagree with the statement - monasteries do provide an excellent place to practice Buddhism but I believe it is not the best. This is because in my opinion, I think that all Buddhists must find what works best for them, whether it is in their house, under a Bodhi tree or in a monastery, the Buddha repeatedly emphasises the importance of your own person spiritual journey and therefore one should practice Buddhism where they find fit to do so

Quotation supporting the Buddha telling his followers to follow their own personal journey

“You yourselves must strive. The Buddhas only can show the way” - Dhammapada