Longest continuous religion
Because of structure Buddha put in place
Fourfold assembly = Bhikkhu, Bhikkhuni, Upāsaka and Upāsikā
No discrimination
Stability by becoming well-versed, recitations, practice
Bhikkhu Order
First 20 years after enlightenment, no order.
Monks lived Brahmacariya life, followed Noble Eightfold Path
Threefold training of sila, samadhi, panna
Buddha created rules as offenses against the end goal were discovered
220 rules in 7 categories with varying punishments
4 Pārājika rules not remediable
Entrance required sponsorship, teaching, questioning, 20 or 5 monks
Sangha self governed
Ritual of Patimokkha Recitation
Bhikkhuni Order
Found favor with Buddha
"Virtuous monks and learned nuns
Laymen and laywomen of great devotion
These indeed are an ornament to the Sangha.
They do adorn the Sangha."
Biggest concern was sensual pleasure distractions from Brahmacariya life of monks
Buddha felt women had more potentiality for religious achievements
Added 8 additional rules (Atthagarudhamma)