Buddhism
What is the Sangha: The Buddhist Community
· 7 min read
A guide to the Buddhist Sangha: the third jewel, types, role in practice, and relationship with laypeople.
Definition
The Sangha is the Buddhist community, the third of the Three Jewels.
Types of Sangha
Sangha Aria (Noble Sangha)
Those who have attained at least the first level of enlightenment.
Conventional Sangha
The institutional community of monks (bhikkhus) and nuns (bhikkhunis).
The Two Orders
According to tradition, there is a double order:
- Bhikkhus (monks)
- Bhikkhunis (nuns)
The Ten Qualities of the Arahant
According to the SanghAnussati.
The Sangha of the Laity
Laypeople are part of the community.
The Four Mutual Dependences
According to Theravada tradition.
The Role of the Sangha Today
The Sangha continues to be central in Buddhism.
Sources
- The Princeton Dictionary of Buddhism
- Analayo: The Foundation History of the Nidana
- The Connected Discourses of the Buddha
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