The role of Bhikkhus in Buddhism

by Rupa Banduwardana

In its broader sense, the Triple Gem means – the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha, all closely related to one another. The Sangha is the last component of the Triple Gem. The Sangha as a part of the Triple Gem is treated with special reverence. In its wider sense the Sangha really means an assembly of learned Bhikkhus with common objectives or a group of Bhhikkhus committed to observe and follow the teachings of the Buddha to the best of their ability.

Most members of the Sangha are very pious and dedicated and they have nobly sacrificed their material comforts, valuable time and energy to serve the Buddhists spread far and wide across the globe.

They comfort the sick, depressed, aged, helpless and bereaved. It's no secret that they occupy a very high place in lay minds. During the Buddha's time, they were genuinely suited to be Sangha, spiritually and intellectually qualified to serve the people.

Those who entered he order of the Maha Sangha were well guided, disciplined and monitored by the Buddha Himself.

Five ascetics

As the Sangha community expanded, the other competent Venerable Arahats such as Sariputta, Moggallana, Assaji and Kassapa held the responsibility of looking after them with guidance. These early disciples who were highly renowned for their spiritual well-being devoted their time to handing down the scriptures and to ensure the continuity of the Maha Sangha.

The Sangha begins with the five ascetics. Immediately after the Wheel of Dhamma was set in motion at Isipathana Migadaya when the first six disciples including the Buddha had been increased in number to sixty following Yasa and his friends.

The Buddha launched His mission with His famous “Go forth you Bhikkhu.......” He welcomed all into His fold as he gave no recognition to social distinctions.

It is said that during the early years there was no formal constitution to control the order. Instead, they had the spiritual maturity and the Buddha was there to guide them in their quest for liberation.

There were people from all walks of life who became disciples across the vast areas of North India. Among them there were those who wished a solitary life living away from human community.

This gave rise to the “Wanawasi” section – the forest tradition, which is still found in most Buddhist countries.

Viharas

The other section comprised those who wished to live in urban areas – in Viharas supported materially by the laymen, catering to their demands of spiritual needs.

They played a very important role in the religious life of the laymen, so much so that the material requirements such as the alms and robes were well provided for.

There were many instances where these privileges had been misused. Scriptures record how the Buddha Himself had to intervene on numerous occasions where the code of conduct was violated.

The story of the Bahu Banduka is one such example. Therefore, the Buddha framed rules to govern the Sangha. He laid down rules to regulate the Sangha community.

Accordingly the Vinaya rules evolved as and when the need arose.It was after the Parinibbana of the Buddha, that problems regarding Vinaya began to surface consequently leading to three important Sanghayanas.

With time, the Buddha's message spread in many parts of Asia and the Sangha found themselves in different atmospheres which led to the evolution of the two main sects of Buddhism, Theravada and Mahayana.

However, the Sangha no matter what their differences were, upheld the fact that they belonged to a single entity, coming down from Sakyamuni, the Gautama Buddha, and the five ascetics who started the order.

Buddhist activities

Dhamma is encouraged in the interest of all members of the family. It is not confined to the chief occupants or the parents alone.

The entire family participates in all Buddhist activities. Buddhist ceremonies performed in the house such as Pirith, Dana, Katina Pooja and other Amisa Pooja, serve to express family unity in religious participation.

Major events in life are associated with Buddhism due to piety and devotion of the Sangha.

All the activities from birth to death including marriage, childbirth of every Buddhist is associated with the Sangha purely due to their lifelong commitment to the Buddha Sasana. Even prior to birth, the most sacred Angulimala Sutta is chanted for a safe delivery of the newborn.

Also every other activity is accompanied with chanting the Sutras by the Sangha to invoke blessings and protection of the revered Triple Gem. Superior performance of the Sangha occurs throughout one's life journey. Every Sutra carries a noble example for exemplary living.

It has a direct application to daily life, which means that they are drawn away from the vice. This is the true service of the Sangha experienced by every Buddhist.