本論文探討來自西方的藏傳佛教比丘與比丘尼的生活。本研究以商業模式的神奇三角為基礎，分析 僧伽的價值主張、影響對象、活動及其資金來源。在一項定性調查中，38 位西方藏傳佛教僧伽（34 位比丘尼與 4 位比丘）分享了他們的故事，並對其回應進行了分類與分析。研究結果顯示，僧伽的 生活方式多樣化，從在尼泊爾藏傳佛教寺院中生活與學習的僧伽，到未隸屬於任何機構、以從事有 薪工作來維生的僧伽。對於許多受訪者而言，他們面臨著一種矛盾：一方面希望學習並修習佛教教 義，另一方面卻需投入時間來籌措生活資金。然而，對另一些僧伽而言，這種矛盾並不存在，因為 他們的社群為其提供照顧，或有儲蓄，或有穩定收入。

This thesis explores the lives of Tibetan Buddhist monks and nuns of Western origin. Based on the business model triangle, this study investigates the monastics’ value proposition, whom they impact, their activities, and how they fund themselves. In a qualitative survey, 38 Western Tibetan Buddhist monastics (34 nuns and four monks) tell their stories, and their responses are categorized and analyzed. A wide variety of lifestyles is observed, ranging from monastics living and studying in Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Nepal to monastics who are not affiliated with any institution, trying to sustain themselves by working in paid jobs. For many of the respondents, there is a tension between the value proposition of wanting to study and practice the Buddhist teachings but needing to invest time into securing funding. For others, this tension is not part of their experience as monastics, as they are taken care of by their community, have savings, or receive a regular income.

Thesis validation letteri
Prefaceii
Abstract - Chineseiii
Abstract – Englishiv
Table of figuresvi
Table of tablesvi
1Introduction1
2Literature review3
2.1Research context and theoretical background3
2.1.1Short history of Tibetan Buddhism and its encounter with the West3
2.1.2The fourfold community4
2.1.3Business model triangle6
2.2Situation of Western Tibetan Buddhist monasticism9
2.3Business model11
2.3.1Value proposition11
2.3.2Sphere of influence12
2.3.3Activities13
2.3.3.1Monastic training14
2.3.3.2Institutional affiliation16
2.3.4Funding18
2.4Research gap20
3Methodology22
4Results, discussion and limitations26
4.1Results26
4.1.1Value proposition27
4.1.2Sphere of influence32
4.1.3Activities33
4.1.3.1Study34
4.1.3.2Combined study and practice35
4.1.3.3Volunteering/service38
4.1.3.4Work39
4.1.4Funding40
4.2Discussion, limitations, and future research avenues44
5Conclusion48
Bibliography50
Appendix 1 - Survey questions57
Appendix 2 – Respondents cited in thesis59
Appendix 3 – Concise survey responses60

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