Rinpoche gave this short talk on the meaning and value of Sangha at Bodhicharya Berlin and on Zoom.
A SUMMARY
by Maggy Jones
There are two kinds of sangha, the Liberated Sangha and the Assembly Sangha. The latter does not need to be a group; anyone who has experienced the dharma is “Sangha” and can have different levels of realisation. This is whom we mean when we say “Taking Refuge in the Sangha”. Buddha talked about the four pillars of sangha – ordained sangha (monks and nuns) and practising laypeople, men and women. Anyone who has taken precepts is a member of the sangha. Buddha said that the Sangha would continue the dharma after his death, particularly the ordained sangha. For this responsibility they must train and practice; particularly in the three trainings – good conduct, meditation and wisdom. It is not essential to be ordained, what matters is that you go forwards peacefully, with harmony and sincerity.
Q & A
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