Question

Describe the life of the followers of Buddhism in the ancient Sanghas.

Hint:

The life of Sangha followers is defined by the absolute elimition of individual ego. The word Bhikkhu itself literally translates to "one who begs for alms," reflecting institutiolized humility and detachment.

Answer 1

Concept: The Sangha was the mostic order established by Gautama Buddha to preserve, practice, and propagate the Dhamma (teachings). Governed by a strict code of conduct preserved in the text Viya Pitaka, the Sangha provided an egalitarian space away from mundane worldly attachments for spiritual seekers to attain Nirva.

Step 1: Admission and Democratic Governce.
Initially, the Sangha was open only to men, but following the intervention of Anda and Mahapajapati Gotami, women were admitted, forming the Bhikkhuni Sangha. Admission cut across all social barriers; once an individual entered the Sangha, their past identity—whether a king, a Vaishya, or an untouchable sweeper—was completely discarded, much like rivers losing their identities upon merging into the ocean. The interl functioning of the Sangha was profoundly democratic. Decisions were made through consensus, formal voting with colored sticks (salaka), and open assemblies (Uposatha) where members confessed interl lapses in code.

Step 2: The Daily Mostic Routine and Asceticism.
The followers in the Sangha led deeply disciplined, austere lives. Their day was divided into periods of intensive meditation, study of the Dhamma, and interacting with the lay community. Monks (Bhikkhus) and nuns (Bhikkhunis) renounced all forms of material wealth. They were permitted to own only a bare minimum of essential requisites, usually eight items: three robes, an alms bowl, a razor, a needle, a belt, and a water strainer (to prevent accidentally killing micro-organisms).

Step 3: The System of Alms-Gathering (Pindapata).
Followers were fundamentally mendicants. Every morning, they walked silently in single file through local villages and towns with their alms bowls to collect food from lay households. They accepted whatever food was placed in their bowls without expressing preference or disgust. This practice served a dual purpose: it crushed interl persol ego and pride within the mostic practitioners while simultaneously allowing laypersons to acquire spiritual merit (punya) by supporting the Sangha.

Step 4: The Rainy Season Retreat (Vassa).
For most of the year, members traveled constantly from place to place to spread the Buddha's philosophy. However, during the three-month monsoon season, continuous travel became dangerous and risked harming sprouting crops or insects on muddy roads. Thus, they observed a mandatory retreat known as Vassa. Monks and nuns stayed together in permanent rock-cut caves (Viharas) or shelters, dedicating this intensive block of time to deep meditative practices, scriptural studies, and mentoring newer initiates.