As a Buddhist expert, I am often asked about the term used to refer to the Buddhist community as a whole. The answer is the sangha, which has evolved over time to encompass a larger meaning than its original definition. The sangha was initially used to describe the monastic community of monks, nuns, lay men, and lay women. However, in modern times, it has come to represent the entire Buddhist community.
This term is derived from the Sanskrit word 'saṇghā', which means association, assembly, company, or community. In ancient India, sangha was used in a political context to refer to a governing assembly in a republic or kingdom. Today, it is still used in various groups such as political parties and social movements. However, it is most commonly associated with religious associations like Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs.
In Buddhism, the sangha specifically refers to the monastic communities of bhikkhus (monks) and bhikkhunis (nuns). These communities are traditionally known as bhikkhu-sangha and bhikkhuni-sangha. Additionally, those who have attained any of the four stages of enlightenment are also considered part of the sangha and are referred to as āryasaṇgha or noble sangha. It is important to note that according to the Theravada school of Buddhism, the term sangha does not include lay followers or the entire Buddhist community.
However, in Western societies, it is often used incorrectly to refer to any type of Buddhist community. This has led some scholars to point out this error and emphasize that both lay people and members of the sangha practice the Buddhist path of morality, meditation, and wisdom. One of the main responsibilities of the Buddhist lay community is to support and nourish the monastic community. This includes providing them with food, shelter, and other necessities so that they can focus on their spiritual practice and teachings.
In return, the monastic community offers guidance and teachings to the lay community. Both the Theravada school and Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism emphasize that the sangha does not include lay followers or the entire Buddhist community. However, they also recognize that there are opportunities for individuals to become monks or nuns and dedicate their lives to practicing Dharma and helping others. This is only possible with the support of the wider Buddhist community.
