As an expert in Buddhism, I have spent many years studying and practicing the teachings of the Buddha. One of the key aspects of this spiritual path is the concept of Sangha, which is often misunderstood or overlooked by those outside of the Buddhist community. In this article, I will explain what the Sangha is and why it is so important to the practice of Buddhism. The word Sangha comes from Sanskrit and means association, assembly, company, or community. In Buddhism, it refers to the monastic community of bhikkhus (monks) and bhikkhunis (nuns).
These communities are traditionally referred to as bhikkhu-sangha or bhikkhuni-sangha. However, it is important to note that the Sangha also includes lay Buddhists who are not part of the monastic community. The Buddha himself established the Sangha as a community of celibate monks and nuns who follow strict discipline and teach the Dharma to their fellow Buddhists. This community serves as a support system for those on the spiritual path, providing guidance, inspiration, and companionship. The essence of a Sangha is awareness, understanding, acceptance, harmony, and love. It is said that when these elements are present in a community, it can be considered a true Sangha.
However, if these qualities are lacking, it cannot be considered a genuine Sangha. As an expert in Buddhism, I believe it is important to recognize and acknowledge when a community does not embody these qualities. In modern times, the term Sangha has been used by various groups such as political parties and social movements. However, it has been most commonly used by religious associations such as Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs. In Buddhism, the Sangha plays a crucial role in preserving and spreading the teachings of the Buddha. As a separate category, those who have attained any of the four stages of enlightenment, whether or not they are members of the monastic community, are called the noble Sangha āryasaṇgha.
This includes both monks and lay Buddhists who have reached a high level of spiritual attainment. According to the Theravada school, the term Sangha does not refer to the community of sāvaka (lay followers) or to the community of Buddhists as a whole. One common misconception about the Sangha is that it is solely dependent on the monastic community for support. While it is true that Buddhist monks and nuns do not engage in commerce or agriculture, they rely on the generosity of lay people for their basic needs. This includes alms or large donations of money and property.
Therefore, it is important for both lay people and members of the Sangha to practice the Buddhist path of morality, meditation, and wisdom. Some scholars have pointed out that in the West, the term Sangha is often used incorrectly to refer to any type of Buddhist community. However, as an expert in Buddhism, I believe it is important to understand and use this term correctly in order to fully appreciate its significance. In conclusion, the Sangha is a vital aspect of the Buddhist community. It serves as a support system for those on the spiritual path and plays a crucial role in preserving and spreading the teachings of the Buddha. As an expert in Buddhism, I encourage all practitioners to cultivate a strong Sangha and to recognize its importance in their spiritual journey.
