What does “Sangha” mean?
Sangha members of Wat Pah Nanachat
The word “Sangha” is used in two ways. Firstly, it is the name given to the monastic order, hence the phrase, “The Thai Sangha”. Secondly, it refers to the community of all those who have realized one of the four stages of enlightenment. Two categories overlap to a high degree: over the past 2,600 years the vast majority of those who have realized stages of enlightenment have been members of the monastic order. Nevertheless, monastic life is not necessary condition for enlightenment. There have many members of the enlightened Sangha who have lived (and live) as householders.
More questions and answers HERE
Source:
- Without and Within – Ajahn Jayasaro
Ryokans Says
I think is safe to say that almost every Buddhism lay follower had fell into the indulgence of considering the term Sangha in a global sense, in other words, considering themselves and others lay people has part of what is define has Sangha. And I think is not a bad thing, because generally it is not with the intent of impersonate the value of the monastic order but with the sentiment of integration with those that follows the teachings of the Buddha. Ajahn Jayasaro makes a pertinent clarification about what it is the meaning of this word taking has a reference the words of the Buddha.
If we made an investigation of the Suttas about this concern we would see that Sangha has two meanings, Sangha for the monastic order and Savaka Sangha has group of enlightened persons (generally within the monastic order). To the Buddhism disciples they referred to them has “parisa”, or assembly. A good reference to this subject if you’re interested in keep researching is an article from Ajahn Brahm. The monastic order without a doubt are the keepers of Buddha teachings not only has a text or words but in the practice itself of the vinaya.
~Ryokan