ABSTRACT
Among Buddhists today, the leadership qualities of monks and nuns are important in order for followers to build trust in their leadership. Scholars have argued that the personal charisma of Buddhist monks or nuns has been a crucial factor in attracting Buddhists. According to informants, contemporary Buddhists see their faith as performing different functions: fulfilling their spiritual needs on the one hand, and catering to the wider society on the other. In the modern world, where stress and materialism are the norm, she presents an alternative that can challenge the modern neoliberal persona – one of simplicity and tranquillity. Likewise, learning the texts of their master is common practice among members of other Buddhist groups in Taiwan such as the Dharma Drum and Foguangshan Buddhist groups. In Hong Kong and Singapore, socially engaged Buddhists have also taken to heart the teachings of their respective Buddhist masters.
