Sangha | DRBU

In Buddhism, it refers to the monastic community of monks (Bhikshus) and nuns (Bhikshunis). They are the transmitters of the tradition and the teachers of the lay community. Fully ordained members of the Sangha adhere to a large number of moral precepts, including celibacy, as a guide for their behavior. The Sangha is the third of the Three Jewels.

Worthy of honour are they [the Sangha], worthy of reverences, worthy of offerings, worthy of salutations with clasped hands,— a field of merit unsurpassed for the world. (Woodward, F.L.tr. “Itivuttaka: As It Was Said,” 179)

Commentary

Full of hindrances is a household life; it is a path for the grime of passion. Free as the air is the life of him who has renounced all worldly things. How difficult is it for the man who dwells at home to live the higher life in all its fullness, in all its purity, in all its bright perfection. Let me then cut off my hair and beard, let me clothe myself in the orange-coloured robes, and let me go forth from the household life into the homeless state. (Rhys Davids, tr. Digha-Nikāya II, 41; v. 1, 62)

A distinction can be made dividing Sangha into three types: the Sangha of the Buddhas, the Sangha of the Sages, and the Sangha which is a Field of Blessings.

1) The Sangha of the Buddhas is comprised of all the infinite Buddhas in all world systems.
2) The Sangha of the Sages is comprised of fully enlightened beings, who have been certified as having reached one of the Four Stages of Arhatship, Pratyekabuddhahood, or one of the Bodhisattva stages.
3) Of the Sangha which is a Field of Blessings the Six Pāramitās Sutra says:
The Sangha is a field of blessings. They are the Bhikshus and Bhikshunis who receive and uphold the moral prohibitions, are learned and wise, and, like trees created by the gods, are able to protect living beings. It is as when thirsty, in need of water in a barren desert, one meets with a heavenly sweet rain in a vast downpour, which is both timely and satisfying.

Moreover, it is like the great ocean from which comes all the multitudes of treasures. The Sangha Jewel, as a field of blessings is also like this. It is able to bestow peace and bliss upon all sentient beings.

Moreover, this Sangha Jewel is pure and undefiled. It is able to dispel the darkness of living beings’ greed, anger, and delusion, as the bright light on the evening of the full moon, which all sentient beings gaze upon with awe. It is also like a precious maṇi pearl, that can fulfill all the good wishes of sentient beings. (BTTS ms.)

Chinese / Sanskrit Terms

僧伽 ; Sangha is a Sanskrit word meaning ‘community’