The Sangha is one of the Three Jewels of Buddhism— The Buddha, the धर्म Dharma, and the सङ्घ Sangha—that practitioners take refuge in. The term refers to the community of individuals who follow the Buddha’s teachings. The Sangha plays a crucial role in preserving and disseminating the Dharma and provides support and guidance to practitioners on the path to enlightenment.

Sangha (Sanskrit: संघ, Saṅgha; Pāli: सङ्घो, Saṅgho) literally means “assembly” or “community.” In the Buddhist context, it encompasses:

• Monastic Sangha: The community of ordained monks (bhikkhus) and nuns (bhikkhunis) who have dedicated their lives to the practice and study of the Dharma. • Arya Sangha (Noble Sangha): The community of practitioners who have attained one of The Four Stages of Enlightenment, regardless of their monastic or lay status.

In a broader sense, especially in Mahayana Buddhism, “Sangha” can include all individuals who earnestly practice the Buddha’s teachings, including lay practitioners.

Role and Significance

1. Preservation of the Teachings
   • Transmission: The Sangha is responsible for memorizing, studying, and teaching the Buddha’s discourses, ensuring the Dharma is passed down through generations. • Interpretation: Monastics provide guidance on understanding complex teachings and how to apply them in daily life.
2. Spiritual Support
   • Community Environment: Offers a supportive setting for individuals to practice meditation, study the scriptures, and engage in ethical living. • Role Models: Monastics serve as examples of dedication to the path, inspiring others through their conduct and wisdom.
3. Rituals and Ceremonies
   • Ordinations: Conducting ceremonies to ordain new monks and nuns, thereby sustaining the monastic lineage. • Observances: Leading communal rituals during important Buddhist festivals and observance days (uposatha).

Types of Sangha

Monastic Sangha

• Bhikkhus and Bhikkhunis: Male and female monastics who follow the Vinaya, the extensive code of monastic discipline. • Vinaya Rules: Contains guidelines for ethical behavior, communal harmony, and personal development, aiding in the reduction of attachments and delusions.

Arya Sangha (Noble Sangha)

• Enlightened Beings: Includes those who have reached the stages of Stream-enterer (Sotāpanna), Once-returner (Sakadāgāmī), Non-returner (अनागामी Anāgāmī), and अर्हत् Arahant. • Universal Membership: Comprises both monastics and laypeople who have attained profound spiritual insights.

Sangha Across Traditions

Theravāda Buddhism

• Focus on Monastic Community: Emphasizes the importance of the monastic Sangha in preserving the original teachings. • Lay-Monastic Relationship: Laypeople support monastics through alms and receive teachings and guidance in return.

Mahāyāna Buddhism

• Inclusive Sangha: Broadens the concept to include all sincere practitioners. • बोधिसत्त्व Bodhisattva Ideal: Encourages everyone to aspire toward Buddhahood for the benefit of all beings, blurring the lines between monastic and lay practice.

Vajrayāna Buddhism

• Tantric Communities: Often involves specialized groups practicing esoteric rituals and meditations. • Guru-Disciple Relationship: Places significant emphasis on the guidance of a qualified teacher within the Sangha.