The. Sangha. Of. Monks. And. The. Sangha. Of. Nuns. Were. Originally. Estalished. By. Gautama. Buddha. In. The5th. Centry. Bc. In. Order. To. Provide. A. Means. For. Those. Who. Wish. to practice. the. Dhamma full-time,in a direc and. highly disciplined way ,free from the restrictions and responsibilities of the household. Life. The sangha also fulfills the function. Of. Preserving. The buddha.'original teachings and of providing. Spiritual support. for the buddhist. Lay devotees