The Sangha PDF

overcoming dualities supports the idea that realising Buddha nature involves seeing beyond these opposites. Wisdom and Compassion: The Heart Sutta is part of the Prajnaparamita (Perfection of Wisdom) literature, which focuses on developing wisdom to see the true nature of reality (emptiness). Realis...

overcoming dualities supports the idea that realising Buddha nature involves seeing beyond these opposites. Wisdom and Compassion: The Heart Sutta is part of the Prajnaparamita (Perfection of Wisdom) literature, which focuses on developing wisdom to see the true nature of reality (emptiness). Realising emptiness helps to cultivate compassion, as we see the interconnectedness of all beings. Buddha nature includes both wisdom and compassion, suggesting that understanding emptiness leads to realising one's Buddha nature. Summary In summary, the Heart Sutta teaches that all phenomena are empty of inherent existence, encouraging us to see beyond dualities and recognise the interconnectedness of everything. This understanding of emptiness relates to the concept of Buddha nature, which is the inherent potential for enlightenment present in all beings. By realising the true nature of emptiness, one can awaken to their Buddha nature, embodying wisdom and compassion. Sources of Authority Week 13 The Sangha The Buddha placed great importance on the Sangha, the community of his followers, which is composed of both monastic (bhikkhus and bhikkhunis) and lay practitioners. Here are some key points the Buddha made about the Sangha: 1. The Sangha as One of the Three Jewels The Buddha taught that the Sangha is one of the "Three Jewels" (or "Three Refuges") of Buddhism, which are: The Buddha: The enlightened one who discovered the path to liberation. The Dharma: The teachings and doctrines of the Buddha. The Sangha: The community of those who follow the Buddha’s teachings. These Three Jewels are central to Buddhist practice, and taking refuge in them is a fundamental aspect of becoming a Buddhist. 42 2. Characteristics of the Noble Sangha The Buddha described the Sangha in various teachings, emphasising its importance and the qualities that make it worthy of respect. 3. Support and Harmony in the Sangha The Buddha emphasized the importance of harmony within the Sangha. In the Mahāparinibbāna Sutta, he provided guidance on maintaining unity and resolving conflicts. He taught that a harmonious Sangha is essential for the effective practice and propagation of the Dharma. The Buddha also highlighted that mutual support among the members of the Sangha is crucial for spiritual growth and the well-being of the community. 4. The Sangha as a Field of Merit The Buddha often referred to the Sangha as a "field of merit" for laypeople. By supporting the monastic Sangha through offerings and alms, laypeople can cultivate good karma and accumulate merit, which is believed to benefit them in their current and future lives. This relationship between the lay and monastic communities is based on mutual support and respect. 5. Encouragement of Monastic Life The Buddha established the monastic Sangha as a means for individuals to fully dedicate themselves to the practice of his teachings. The monastic life provides an environment conducive to deep meditation, study, and the attainment of enlightenment. The Buddha provided detailed guidelines (the Vinaya) for monastic discipline to ensure that monks and nuns live in a way that supports their spiritual goals and maintains the integrity of the Sangha. 6. The Sangha’s Role in Spreading the Dharma The Buddha recognised the Sangha’s critical role in preserving and spreading his teachings after his passing. He encouraged his disciples to travel, teach, and establish communities of practitioners. The Sangha has been instrumental in the transmission of the Buddha’s teachings across different cultures and generations. The Buddha spoke highly of the Sangha and emphasized its importance in the practice and propagation of Buddhism. He highlighted the Sangha’s role in preserving the Dharma, maintaining spiritual practice, and providing a source of merit for laypeople. The Sangha, as one of the Three Jewels, is essential to the Buddhist path and the well-being of its practitioners. Quotation "Monks, for what reason is the Sangha worthy of offerings, worthy of hospitality, worthy of gifts, worthy of reverential salutation, the unsurpassed field of merit for the world? — Gautama Buddha, from the Anguttara Nikaya 4.20 43 Explanation 1. Worthy of Offerings and Respect "Worthy of offerings, worthy of hospitality, worthy of gifts, worthy of reverential salutation": The Buddha is emphasising that the Sangha deserves respect and support from laypeople. Offering material support to the Sangha is seen as a way to cultivate good karma and merit. "The unsurpassed field of merit for the world": Supporting the Sangha is considered extremely meritorious because the Sangha is dedicated to spiritual practice and spreading the teachings of the Buddha. Monks (and nuns) and lay Buddhists have a symbiotic relationship in Buddhism, meaning they rely on each other in mutually beneficial ways. This relationship helps sustain the practice and teachings of Buddhism and fosters a strong, supportive community. Here’s how they rely on one another: How Monks (and Nuns) Rely on Lay Buddhists 1. Material Support Alms and Donations: Monks and nuns rely on lay Buddhists for their daily needs, such as food, clothing, shelter, and medicine. Laypeople offer alms and donations, which sustain the monastic community and allow monks and nuns to focus on their spiritual practices without worrying about material needs. 2. Building and Maintaining Monasteries Funding and Labor: Lay Buddhists contribute financially and sometimes physically to the construction, maintenance, and upkeep of monasteries, temples, and meditation centres. This provides monks and nuns with the infrastructure they need to live and practice. 3. Participation in Religious Activities Attendance and Involvement: Laypeople attend teachings, ceremonies, and rituals conducted by the monastic community. Their participation makes these activities meaningful and vibrant, fostering a sense of community and shared spiritual growth. 44 How do Lay Buddhists Rely on Monks (and Nuns) 1. Spiritual Guidance Teaching and Counselling: Monks and nuns provide spiritual teachings, guidance, and counselling to lay Buddhists. They help laypeople understand and practice the Buddha's teachings, offering advice on meditation, ethical living, and dealing with life's challenges. 2. Preservation of Teachings Study and Scholarship: Monks and nuns dedicate themselves to studying and preserving Buddhist scriptures and teachings. They ensure that these teachings remain accurate and are passed down through generations, providing a reliable source of spiritual wisdom for laypeople. 3. Role Models Living Example: By living a life of renunciation, discipline, and meditation, monks and nuns serve as role models for lay Buddhists. Their example inspires laypeople to strive for ethical living, mindfulness, and spiritual development. 4. Performing Rituals and Ceremonies Ritual Leadership: Monks and nuns perform important rituals and ceremonies, such as weddings, funerals, and festivals, which are significant in the religious life of laypeople. These ceremonies provide spiritual benefits and help mark important life events. Mutual Benefits – How the Monastic and Lay Sangha rely on one another 1. Community and Belonging Shared Practices: The interaction between monks and lay Buddhists creates a strong sense of community and belonging. Laypeople support the monastic community, and in turn, the monastic community provides spiritual and emotional support to laypeople. 2. Merit and Spiritual Growth Earning Merit: Lay Buddhists believe that by supporting monks and nuns, they earn merit, which helps them in their spiritual journey and future lives. Monks and nuns benefit from the material support, enabling them to continue their spiritual practices. 3. Cultural and Religious Continuity Tradition Maintenance: Both groups work together to maintain and propagate Buddhist culture and traditions. Monks and nuns ensure the continuity of teachings and practices, while laypeople help sustain the community and infrastructure needed for these traditions to thrive. 45 Summary The relationship between monks (and nuns) and lay Buddhists is one of mutual dependence and support. Lay Buddhists provide material and community support, allowing monks and nuns to focus on their spiritual practices. In return, monks and nuns offer spiritual guidance, preserve the teachings, and serve as role models. This interdependence strengthens the Buddhist community and ensures the ongoing vitality of the tradition. 46