What is Sangha Buddhism ?

Sangha Buddhism is the combination of the devotees, monks, or nuns who are the dedicated ones following the path of Buddha and establishing the teachings of Buddha respectively for the world. Sanga refers to the community of people who are following and practicing the path of Buddha.

Originated in India, it was established by Siddhartha Gauthama (the Buddha) after having his enlightenment around the 5^th century BCE. The term ‘Sangha’ symbolises and means “assembly” or “community.”.

It mainly focusses on highlighting the importance of collective spiritual practice in Buddhism. Sangha is feeling that gathers together; the duty of Sangha refers to guiding and being a living example of reliable spiritual leaders

Rules of Sangha in Buddhism

All the rules and regulations in Sangha are guided by the vinaya, which refers to the set of monastic regulations that includes,

1. Celibacy: The practitioners or monks of the Sangha Buddhism must be celibate in life. Should not have any abstaining before marriage and sexual relations.
2. Non-possession: No luxurious or grant items are not to be wanted by them. They should live with minimal possessions.
3. Non-harming: living a life that doesn’t harm anyone in any sense. Practicing nonviolence and compassion.
4. Truthfulness: Keeping a commitment to themselves and speaking truthfully at all times.
5. No intoxicants :Getting away from bad habits and social evils. Avoiding alcohol or drugs.
6. Meditation and study: daily focus on spiritual growth. Keep on meditating and surviving the world.

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Who can join Buddhist Sanga?

The one  who is compassionate and interested in dedicating their life to the teachings of the Buddha and following the monastic rules and discipline can join the Buddhist Sangha. Traditionally, men and women can become monks (bhikkhus) and nuns (bhikkhunis) after going through an installation process, which is very much important.

Typically, individuals must be of a particular age, a young person should have parental consent, have no actions against, and want to be free from severe debts or legal obligations. People who wish to live a life closer to the Buddha’s teachings can also become lay members, support the monastic community, and be with Sangha Buddhism.

SANGHA COMMUNITY

• Definition: As said, the Sangha is the practitioners of buddha, consisting of monks, nuns, and sometimes lay practitioners, dedicated to following the teachings of the Buddha in a disciplined manner.

• Role:  Sangha reffered as a important aspect in Three Jewels reffered in Buddhism other than the Buddha and Dharma (teachings), which practitioners take refuge to represent the symbol of peace.

• Monastic Life: Members of the Sangha follow the Vinaya which meanss disciplied, a set of ethical guidelines that include non-possession, celibacy, and non-violence. Which they choose to opt for the desire of monastic life.

• Purpose: The community focusses on meditation, study, and teaching, with the goal of achieving enlightenment and helping others on their spiritual path. Through the teachings of Buddha.

• Support from Laypeople: Lay practitioners convey material support to the monastic Sangha, such as food and shelter, in return for spiritual guidance.

• Symbiotic Relationship: The Sangha community and laymens have a mutual exchange; monks and nuns provide teachings, while laypeople provide nourishment, fostering a supportive spiritual environment.

• Preservation of Teachings: The Buddha plays a crucial role in preserving and transmitting the teachings of the Buddha across generations, Sangha act for them. There were proper responsible for teaching.
• Community Focus: Through dedicated and compulsory practice, the Sangha fosters a sense of unity, shared goals, and spiritual development, benefiting both its members and the broader Buddhist community

QUALITY TO FOLLOWED FOR SANGA BUDDHISM

The Sangha in Buddhism shows up several key qualities that reflect the dedication to the spiritual practice and the teachings of the Buddha. Members serve with morality (sila) by following ethical guidelines and maintaining proper etiquette in their actions.

They cultivate wisdom (prajna) through deep meditation and study, seeking to understand the nature of reality. Compassion (karuna) is a central value, as Sangha members act with kindness toward all beings, while non-attachment (vairagyam) ensures they remain free from material desires.

The Sangha fosters harmony (samagga), encouraging unity and relationship within the community. Their practice is marked by mindfulness (sati), continuous awareness, and humility, as they live simply and selflessly, guiding laypeople by example and preserving the Buddha’s teachings. The qualities a Sangha community up to a next level.

SANGHA BUDDHISM and JAINISM INTERCONNECTION

 In both the practicians the Sangha refers to a community of monks and nuns who are committed to spiritual practice and the teachings, 

• Buddhism:

1. The Sangha refers to the practitioners of buddha teachings who consist monks and nuns.
2. It is one of the filled and preserved elements of the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha).
3. Members follow ethical guidelines and partition the path of trust.
4. The Sangha transmits the Buddha’s teachings. Feel more energy to learn.

• Jainism:

1. The Sangha (fourfold Sangha) or jainism includes monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen.
2. Members practice non-violence, truth, and renunciation, not to harm, as in Sangha.
3. The community is vital in preserving Mahavira’s teachings.

Laypeople support monks and nuns while practicing Jain values in daily life

HOW DO BUDDHA, DHARMA, AND SANGHA RELATE?

Mentioned as the Three Jewels, or also called the Three Refugees in Buddhism, they are deepening and interconnected with the guiding practitioners in the Path of Enlightenment.

• Buddha: The discoverer Gauthama Buddha is self-referred to here; he is the person who shares the knowledge of enlightenment and is a spiritual role model.
• Dharma: The knowledge that was spread and handed over by the Buddha. Which includes 4 noble truths and the 8-fold path.
• Sangha: The followers who are completely dedicated to the ideas of the founders and who preserve ‘Dharma’.

Together they form a foundation of teachers, teachers, and students who are dedicated in the service of serving knowledge.]

Conclusion

Referring to Sangha Buddhism, participating in and practicing Sangha Buddhism can give us relief. Hidden Mantra blogs and Hidden Mantra is a space to develop your knowledge and enhance your Path of Enlightenment. Grab the Power of Sangha Buddhism. Do follow Hidden Mantra and Hidden Mantra blogs for more related content like Buddha Quotes, Zen Meditation, Yoga, etc. . NAMASTE!