Our purpose here is to identify some of these issues and seek possible strategies and solutions to resolve them。 It should be emphasized that the consistent training methods and content that we seek will not subtract from traditional teacher training。 It is intended to add a dimension that will expand the interest and understanding of Buddhism worldwide。 All too often a monk or nun is totally unprepared to communicate in any environment other than their original community。 This is not an insurmountable problem and it should be addressed without delay。

Background

We realize that many prospective teachers have college educations today。 Many do not。 This unequal footing causes a disparity that will be reflected in their methods and message to all students。 All should have a foundation of basic general education at college level。　Frequently they will travel and interact with people of other societies，　in keeping with the Buddha’s advice to　“go forth for the benefit of many，　for the comfort and happiness of many。” Thus Dharma teachers must be prepared to participate meaningfully in the global change occurring minute by minute wherever they are assigned。 As an example，　in the U。S。，　most young people have no background in Buddhism unless they are aware of the teachings from Asian－born parents。 Dharma teachers must have the background to speak with them at their own level and to help them understand how the Dharma applies to their society and lifestyle。

Many ethnic Buddhist training programs for Dharma teachers and curriculums are highly reflective of their specific culture and society。 This creates and ever widening gap between modern social structure and traditional culture。 They may not be meaningful to a teenager in the U。S。，　or Europe。

The differences are easily understandable，　but might it not be a matter of interest if world Buddhist leaders were to establish a guideline for monastic training？　A uniform agenda of education would not interfere with cultural or traditional aspects but would serve as a framework of training in common areas of Buddhism。 It could combine the elements of basic Buddhist teachings in a way that is effective and with a degree of consistency。 This consistency is the goal of our approach。

Again，　it is important to understand that this recommended system of training would serve as a guide only，　not a mandate or an attempt to impose conditions that may conflict with existing practices or standards。