Buddhism 1.3 Authority within the sangha Flashcards
Purpose of the sangha
The sangha lives the teaching, preserves the scriptures and teaches the wider community. The Vinaya provides the framework to make the sangha a stable institution
Authority in the sangha
In the Sangha there is no set leader/formal head authority rests in agreement of senior monks. Seniority is decided on the length of time since ones ordination
Importance of the sangha
They interpret the teachings and explain them. They provide a refuge for people trying to attain enlightenment, gain a good karma. Provides spiritual guidance for the lay community.
Why people argue the sangha isn’t important
They argue it isn’t as important as the other 2 jewels because without the Buddha there would be no sangha and without the dharma there would be nothing to protect, interpret and pass on. The protection of scriptures is also not needed anymore due to technology
What is the relationship between bhikkus/bhikkunis and lay people
Lay people feed monastics to obtain good karma. They are responsible for the production of goods and services and to raise children. They have a symbiotic relationship
Why is it harder for lay people to achieve enlightenment
Because they have to focus on money, jobs and family as well as their spiritual practice
Importance of the lay community
Without the Lay community there would be no new monks and nuns to teach the Dharma to and also the monastics would have to work and raise children, taking away from their spiritual practice
