RG ST 21 Lecture Notes - Lecture 7: Larceny, Vinaya, Sewing Needle
Document Summary
If suffering arises from exaggerated sense of ego and attachment to desires, suffering can only be alleviated by denial of ego and its desires. This realization is primarily personal, but was facilitated by the social institution of the sangha. Groups of wandering ascetics existed in india before and after founding of buddhist sangha, but none was so complex and well organized. Although the sangha"s ideals were spiritual, its non-egoistic, socialistic, and republican features made it a model for society itself and a conducive environment for spiritual discipline. In general sangha refers to monastic community. Arya sangha refers to only those who have become arhats (i. e. attained nirvana) Sangha founded when buddha ordained his 5 former ascetic companions. During his life, the order grew considerably. Established monastic rules and regulations as needed. Rules for monastic discipline found in the vinaya-pitika. Vinaya rules differ slightly from school to school. Basic vows called vows of individual liberation (pratimoksa)
