World of Philosophy

Author(s): Christopher Key Chapple, Intaj Malek, Dilip Charan, Sunanda Shastri, Prashant Dave
Publisher: Shanti Prakashan

Page 974

truth govern. In this regard the Buddha frequently made a following comments:" I myself am just a member of Sangha and I do not govern, the Dharma [the Law] governs." He states that all things arise from causes and conditions, not created by gods or God. True deliverance depends on the Four Noble Truths and the three Dharma Seals. The Sangha community, under the guidance of Buddha, was ruled by the members' respect for moral conduct. Upon admission each member has to give up his/her previous social status, wealth, fame and other privileges. All external classifications an differentiations were disregarded. The operation of the Sangha community was based on mutual respect and love and some times on the order of seniority. Thus, the Bhikshus, the Bhikshunis and others, each had their own rules. When dispute arose, the Seven Reconciliation Rules' made by the Buddha were followed to settle the conflict.
2] Decentralized Leadership: The Buddha himself, as the head of the Sangha community, on the basis of his own teaching established the precepts for the group. He selected knowledgeable and virtuous Bhikshus and Bhikshunis to be the "instructing monastics" to teach the Dharma and precepts. Among them further selected the eldest to counsel, to advise, and to monitor the progress of the monastics under their supervision.
3] Shared Responsibility and Support: In the initial stage of Sangha Four Principles of living' was laid down to guide the Sangha members toward virtuous living : 1] Eat only food from alms, 2] wear only cast off clothing, 3] abode only under trees and 4] take only discarded medicine. Further, the monastics were warned to şhun eight evil possessions that were considered to be hindrances to their practice, i.e. housie and gardens, plants, grains and crops, servants and slaves, pets and animals, money and jewels, utensils and tools and decorated beds. As the size of the Sangha community increased rules were modified. To solve the problems of rainy seasons and to satisfy constant requests from their benefactors, receipt of donated clothes, food, houses and gardens were allowed. but [ communal?] form of living was maintained. The community [communal?] rule required that except for each monastic's own clothing and bowls, all other supplies, tools, bedding, houses and gardens were public goods, not to be individually possessed. Repair and maintenances of equipment and tools were distributed among the members. In each of Sangha residences, an elder was elected to lead the daily operation, teach Dharma, maintain the code of conduct and channel any speech and information delivered by the Buddha. Although the life style changed somewhat over time, all Sangha communities still followed the basic principles of an alms system as well a sharing support and responsibilities.
4] Mutual Respect and Harmony: To maintain mutual respect and harmonious living, the Buddhist Sangha community practices the 'Six points of reverent Harmony' in community living :
925