The Sangha

Definition

The Sangha is one of the Three Jewels in Buddhism, along with the Buddha and the Dharma.
It refers to the community of ordained Buddhist monks and nuns.
Lay Buddhists can also be considered part of the Sangha when they take ‘refuge’ in the Three Jewels.

Roles and Responsibilities

Members of the Sangha commit to a life of discipline, following rules set out in the Vinaya Pitaka, a part of the Buddhist scriptures.
They devote themselves to practices like meditation and studying scriptures to attain Enlightenment.
They provide teachings to lay Buddhists and help to spread the Dharma.

The Monastic Community

The Buddha established the Sangha to ensure the continuation and spread of his teachings.
Monks and nuns within the Sangha community live a life of celibacy and simplicity, having renounced worldly goods and desires.
The Sangha serves to show an example of a way of life that goes beyond the everyday concerns of laypeople.

The Order of the Sangha

Becoming part of the Sangha involves a formal process of ordination.
Sangha members are usually ranked according to seniority, or how long they have been ordained.
There has been debate in modern times about the role and status of nuns in the Sangha, including arguments for greater gender equality.

The Lay Community

Although not ordained, lay Buddhists are a part of the Sangha when they take refuge in the Three Jewels.
They have a set of rules to follow, known as the Five Precepts.
The lay community supports the monastic community, often providing them with requisites like food and clothing.

It’s important to remember that the specifics of the Sangha - its structure, rules, and community dynamics - can vary greatly between different Buddhist traditions and cultures.