As an expert in Buddhism, I have dedicated years of my life to studying and practicing the teachings of the Buddha. One of the core principles in Buddhism is the concept of sangha, which refers to the monastic communities of bhikkhu (monks) and bhikkhuni (nuns). These communities are traditionally known as bhikkhu-sangha or bhikkhuni-sangha.However, sangha is not limited to just the monastic community. In fact, Buddhists who have attained any of the four stages of enlightenment, whether or not they are members of the monastic community, are also considered part of the sangha.
These individuals are known as āryasangha, or noble sangha. The sangha is a central part of Buddhism, but it is important to note that there is significant diversity within this community across time and space. The history of Buddhism is rich and complex, with various schools and traditions emerging over time. Despite these differences, the sangha remains a unifying force for Buddhist practitioners around the world. One of the key roles of the sangha is to preserve and pass down the teachings of the Buddha. This is done through various means, such as monastic education and meditation retreats.
The sangha also serves as a support system for its members, providing them with a sense of community and belonging. In Buddhism, disrupting the harmonious community of believers is considered to be one of the most serious offenses. This is because the sangha plays a crucial role in upholding and promoting the Buddhist path. As a community of Buddhist practitioners comprised of countless unique individuals, the sangha is characterized by unity of purpose. It is important to note that the concept of sangha extends beyond just the monastic community. Lay people, or non-monastic practitioners, are also considered part of the sangha.
In fact, all major Buddhist schools emphasize that lay people, as well as members of the sangha, should practice the Buddhist path of morality, meditation, and wisdom. According to the Theravada school and Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism, the term sangha does not refer to the community of Sāvakas (lay followers) or to the community of Buddhists as a whole. Instead, it refers specifically to the monastic community. However, in other schools of Buddhism, the term sangha can refer to both monastic and lay practitioners.
