text: Following the Buddha and the Dharma (teaching), the community of Buddhist monks and nuns, or sangha, constitute the third of the Threefold Refuge, a basic creed of Buddhism. Their behavior is strictly disciplined by the sacred canon. These monks and nuns adopt distinctive styles of appearance and behavior. \n\nThere were a variety of reasons for joining a monastery or nunnery. Pursuit of spiritual salvation and enlightenment was obviously an important reason for leaving secular homes. But some people also believed that Buddhist monastic life would be the best way to serve their social and economic needs. Widows, orphans and other displaced members of society could find refuge in Buddhist institutions.