THE SANGHA
Sunday, March 4, 2007
To clarify, there can be some confusion in the way the Sanskrit word Sangha is commonly used. In fact, there are three distinct definitions: 1. A currently popular definition is to include all Buddhist practitioners. 2. Most generally applied term includes only the community of ordained monks and nuns. 3. A more strict definition from the scriptures applies to the practitioners who have at least realised emptiness.
During his life, the Buddha gave advice to many people on ways to avoid distraction from following the spiritual path. The Buddha never actually taught "a set" of monks or nuns vows, but these vows have been extracted afterwards by Buddhist Masters from the teachings of the Buddha.
It is important to realise that monasteries and nunneries have proven absolutely essential in preserving the Buddhist teachings and practice. One could say that monasteries are the "power plants" of the Buddhist tradition.
Monks and nuns are revolutionaries. They cherish a great aspiration in their hearts, and that is how they have the strength to cut the net of worldly attachments. They go forth from family life to enter the path of the Buddha, and they aspire to love and help everyone, not just one person. Monks and nuns cherish their freedom so they can be a source of happiness for many people. Seeing how much entanglement and suffering there is in this world, they feel compassion and want to help people who are suffering.Thich Nhat Hanh from 'Stepping Into Freedom'
- To be a Buddhist, one does not need to be ordained as monk or nun. Even to become a Buddha, ordination is strictly spoken not necessary - although it may be very wise to avoid distraction. - To become a monk or nun, one should at least have taken refuge. Next, with a limited number of vows (always including celibacy) one can become a novice. Later, by committing oneself to a very extensive set of vows, one can become a fully ordained monk or nun. - A monk or nun is usually not a fully enlightened being. One should consider this when looking at monks or nuns. Like everyone of us, they are only trying their best at living a spiritual life and they have as important task to keep their vows, which is often not easy; criticising them is easy, but usually not helpful to anyone. - In general, all traditions use the same sets of vows. Celibacy (no sex) is always part of the monks and nuns (novice) vows. In traditions where celibacy is not included in the vows one could question their origin or degeneration.- Depending on the tradition, the vows are taken for life or any shorter period. For example, in Thailand it is even tradition that virtually all men become novices and live at a monastery for at least for a short period during their youth. In contrast, in the Tibetan tradition, taking monks or nuns vows is basically for life, although the vows can be given back if one feels one cannot keep them. - It is considered important to try and receive teachings about the vows before and after being ordained. - For people wanting to be ordained by His Holiness the Dalai Lama himself, often a special possibility exists after his Losar teachings (usually end of February) in Dharamsala, India. - It may be confusing at times, but not everyone who appears to wear robes may be a monk or nun. For example, there is a Tibetan tradition of (often long-haired) tantric practitioners who are not ordained, although they wear similar robes. Also, at some monasteries, lay people can stay and wear similar (though not identical) robes. - Why becoming a monk or nun? Lama Zopa Rinpoche can answer that better than I ever could.- This website on Thailand gives an eleborte description of the traditional Thai ordination procedure.
Seven conditions
- Assemble frequently and in large numbers- Meet and disperse peacefully and attend to the affairs of the Sangha in concord - Appoint no new rules, and do not abolish the existing ones, but proceed in accordance with the code of training (Vinaya) laid down- Show respect, honour, esteem, and veneration towards the elder Bhikkhus, those of long standing, long gone forth, the fathers and leaders of the Sangha, and think it worthwhile to listen to them- Do not come under the power of the craving that leads to fresh becoming- Cherish the forest depths for their dwellings- Establish themselves in mindfulness, so that virtuous brethren of the Order who have not come yet might do so, and those already come might live in peace
Seven further conditions
- Do not delight in, be not pleased with, or be not fond of: activities- Do not delight in, be not pleased with, and not fond of talk- Do not delight in, be not pleased with, and not fond of sleep- Do not delight in, be not pleased with, and not fond of company- Do not have bad friends, associates, or companions - Do not harbour and do not come under the spell of evil desires- Do not stop halfway on account of some trifling achievement.
- Have faith
- Cultivate mindfulnessSeven further conditions
- Cultivate the perception of impermanence
Six Conditions to be Remembered
- Attend on each other with loving
Tushita Retreat Centre is making a habit of organising special teachings for newly ordained Sangha by His Holiness the Dalai Lama during the Losar teachings in Dharamsala. More teachings about the Sangha can be found on the FPMT Website.An extensive (Theravada) view on the life of monks and nuns for lay people is found on the Access to Insight website.Interview with a western monk in a Tibetan monastery.
Just for Fun:
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