Chapter 8 - The Advantages Of Being A Sangha

The religious life of a "Sangha" or Buddhist monk, in other words the righteous conduct of a Samana is also called Brahmacariya which means "Holy life'. A Sangha lives a righteous life as he carefully observes and follows the precepts and rules of discipline which the Lord Buddha laid down for all Buddhist monks to follow. His life is a real virtuous blessing and insightful peace since he has renounced the world, he has no cares and no need to be worried about his family or relatives. He tries to be content with what he gets and so does not have to compete for his livelihood.

He can freely and safely go wherever he likes at that flies where it wishes, a Bhikkhu can freely go for his study, teaching or preaching and practice. He has no need to fear any one, for he has no enemy to cause him harm. In short, the advantageous fruit of being a Sangha is simple, joyous, calm, secluded, free and safe life. It is also a life that can lead one to attain virtue, concentration, insight knowledge, wisdom, psychic powers, divine eye, divine ear, remembrance of one's former births, etc. These are completely and orderly described by the Lord Buddha in the Samannaphala Sutta of Digha nNikiya.

As a Sangha's main intent is on releasing sufferings of life and attain NIBBANA, he is always trying to lessen avarice, ill-will, delusion, etc. He endeavours to free himself from all forms of sensual pleasures and improper companies. Thus he can devote his time only in learning, teaching or preaching and practising the Dhamma which will lead him to the utter Liberation, Nibbana.

The advantages of becoming a Sangha are numerous. So in order to realize the actual benefits and experience a taste of the supramundane peace of holy life, every man should try for himself the life of a Buddhist monk for at least three weeks, or if possible three months or more, under the guidance of a well-versed and experienced elderly monk. He who enters the Order has a great rare opportunity. i.e. the golden opportunity of being born as a human in the dispensation of the Buddha. As a homeless Buddhist monk, who lives a virtuous and pure life without harm to others, he will enjoy real benefits in this present life as well as in all lives to come till he gains Nibbana. However, a man who enters into the Order merely to have an easy life is not a good Sangha. Such a man is not really dutiful on study, teaching, preaching and practice, and is also not following the precept or rules of discipline according to Buddha's teachings. Such a person will not only lose the benefits of being a Sangha, but also after his death will go down to the lower woeful planes of existence (Apaya). Therefore only a Sangha who can follow the principles according to the Teaching is quite in accordance with the inherent qualities of an Ariya Sangha as mention below.