the sangha

Question 1

what is meant by the word ‘sangha’

Answer 1

sangha means ‘assembly’ refers to the monastic community

Question 2

what is the lay community

Answer 2

people who follow the dharma but continued to live in families and earn their own living.

Question 3

what is a bhikku

Answer 3

monk

Question 4

describe the origin of the sangha

Answer 4

the buddha and his monks travelled around meeting together during the rainy reason and staying in no fixed place. By living this way they were able to resit tanha (craving). These travelling monks were supported by the lay community who provided them with food, clothing, accommodation and water.

Question 5

over time the accommodation that the monks were provided with became permanent monasteries. What were these monasteries known as?

Answer 5

Viharas

Question 6

How is Theravada and Mahayana monastic sangha’s different?

Answer 6

For Theravada Buddhists it is much more important for the individuals in the sangha to follow a monastic lifestyle. Theravada communities focus much more upon education, teaching the dharma and showing adults how to farm and dig wells.
Mahayana Buddhists have more of a focus on preserving the Buddhist treasures and ensuring Buddhist teachings do not become corrupt. Much less of a focus on the monastic element as they do not think an individual needs to be monastic in order to reach Nirvana.

Question 7

why would one become a bikkhu in the first place?

Answer 7

Young boys would become a bhikkhu to have the opportunity to work towards Nirvana. Becoming a bhikkhu also creates the best environment for someone to avoid the poisons of the mind.

Question 8

outline the process of becoming a bikkhu

Answer 8

-must be ordained as a samanera (trainee)
-he cuts off from all attachments, no money, wife, belongings (so its easier for him to resist tanha