What is the Sangha?

Sangha is a Pali and Sanskrit word meaning “community” or “assembly”. In Buddhism it refers to the community of those who practise the Buddha’s teaching. It is the third of the Three Jewels, alongside the Buddha and the Dharma.

Two senses of the word

In the traditional sense, the Sangha is the community of ordained monks and nuns, called bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs. The Buddha founded the monastic order in his own lifetime and gave it a code of discipline, the Vinaya, which is still followed today.

There is also a deeper sense. The “noble Sangha” means all those, ordained or not, who have reached at least the first stage of awakening. When Buddhists take refuge in the Sangha, this is above all the Sangha they have in mind: people who have walked the path and show that it can be done.

In many Western countries, the word is also used more loosely for any group of Buddhist practitioners, including lay people who practise together.

Monks, nuns and lay people

Traditionally, the monastic and lay communities support each other. Lay people offer food, robes, shelter and medicine. Monks and nuns offer teaching and an example of a life devoted to practice. This relationship of mutual giving remains central in Theravada countries such as Thailand and Sri Lanka. In some other traditions, such as many Japanese schools, married clergy play a larger role.

Why community matters

In one well-known exchange, the Buddha’s attendant Ānanda suggests that good friendship is half of the spiritual life. The Buddha corrects him: it is the whole of the spiritual life. Good friends encourage us, set an example, and help us notice when we have gone off track.

Practising alone is possible, but most people find it easier to keep going when they have others to learn from and talk with. Many Buddhists see visiting a monastery, studying with others or simply sharing questions with friends on the path as a natural part of practice.

Taking refuge in the Sangha

Reciting “I go for refuge to the Sangha” expresses trust in those who have practised before us. It is also a reminder that the path is shared. Each tradition has its own form of community, and all regard the Sangha as one of the supports of the Buddhist life.