The Formation of the Sangha
The founding of the Sangha marks a pivotal moment in Buddhism, initiated by the Buddha's first disciples. After delivering his first sermon, the five ascetics, inspired by the Buddha's insights, became the first Bhikkhus (monks), forming the initial Sangha. A subsequent sermon, the Anattalakkhana Sutta, introduced the doctrine of Anatta (no-self), explaining that neither the body nor the mind is a permanent self due to their changing nature. This profound teaching led the five bhikkhus to attain Arhatship, achieving enlightenment and freedom from defilements and suffering.
The Buddha's teachings soon attracted more followers. In the Varanasi region, a wealthy young man named Yasa joined the monastic order, followed by his family who became the first lay disciples. The enthusiasm generated by Yasa's conversion encouraged four of his friends and later fifty more to join the Sangha, all of whom eventually attained Arhatship. With these sixty perfected disciples, the Buddha initiated the first missionary efforts, instructing them to spread his message of peace, compassion, and wisdom worldwide.
The establishment of the Bhikkhuni-Sangha, the order of nuns, occurred due to Ananda's plea on behalf of women. The Buddha's aunt, Mahapajapati Gotami, along with her friends, became the first women to enter this order, expanding the reach of the Buddha's teachings.
However, the Sangha faced challenges and conflicts. Hostile sects, envious of the Buddha's success, sought to defame him. Devadatta, the Buddha’s ambitious cousin, became a significant rival. Despite joining the order, Devadatta was not sincerely devoted and attempted to seize leadership of the Sangha by suggesting the Buddha, due to his age, should hand over control. The Buddha rejected this, emphasizing the democratic principles of the Sangha, governed by the Vinaya (code of discipline).
Devadatta's rivalry escalated into attempts on the Buddha's life, all of which failed. He also tried to create a schism within the Sangha by leading a group of newly ordained monks away. This schism was short-lived as Sāriputta and Moggallāna, two chief disciples, persuaded the monks to return to the Buddha. Devadatta's end came with his serious illness and death about nine months later, illustrating the ultimate futility of his ambitions.
Link for Class: https://youtu.be/WG5wXcez8jg
Link for PPT: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y2AXMWye_q_2LduYsyk2nxlSaEqCpIyd/view?usp=sharing
I really admire of the life of Buddha, choosing the life of enlightenment of oneself. His result of enlightenment was truly seen in how people were attracted by listening his sermon; and thus forming an initial Sangha. It leads me to reflect my on vocation as the follower Ignatius.
ReplyDeleteThe missionary efforts initiated by Buddha, formation of sangha and the spread of Buddhism Reminds me of our early Christian communities, missionaries and their efforts for the spread of Christianity. There needs to be lot of effort for a spread of a religion.
ReplyDeleteI find myself that the cycle of desire is almost true in the life of people. Every individual has the desire to achieve and fulfill the wishe.As we experience that desire leads to achieve somthing means and that gives the momentary pleasure or satisfaction. After the satisfaction we feel emptiness after sometime.
ReplyDeleteCraving for power and status makes a person to forget his own self and the virtues. This happened to Devadatta, not only him but also to many in the history. Devadatta went into the extent of killing Buddha which means he went against the fundamental truths of Buddhism which he did not instill in his life and aslo peace and harmony. This incident made me to reflect why Buddha left behind everything and sought for enlightenment.
ReplyDelete"In the way to liberation there is always suffering" - This suffices the whole idea of the formation of the Sangha. In one side we have "Yasa" the enthusiastic disciple who encouraged some more disciples to join the sangha. On the contrary we have Devadatta who was a "thorn in the flesh". This gives me an insight to balance both the extremes in our life.
ReplyDeleteBuddha instructed his disciples to spread his message of peace, compassion, and wisdom. This reminds me of the life of Jesus, who invites me to be peace for those in agony, compassionate towards sinners, and to offer wisdom to those seeking to find Jesus.
ReplyDeleteBuddha initiated the first missionary efforts, instructing his disciples to spread his message of peace, compassion, and wisdom worldwide. I remember how Jesus sent his disciples two by two to preach the Kingdom of God. Here, we can see that both Buddha and Jesus did not stay in one place; they wanted to create a new world filled with love, peace, and compassion.
ReplyDeleteThe early Sangha's growth and resilience under Buddha's leadership show how it helped spread Buddhist teachings worldwide. Even when faced with opposition from people like Devadatta, the Sangha stayed united and focused on reaching enlightenment. This laid the groundwork for Buddhism to develop and expand.
ReplyDeleteYASA reminds me of the Samaritan lady who gathered the village after speaking to Jesus. On the other hand Devadatta is conspiring against Buddha and trying all the way possible to convert disciples of Buddha to anti-buddha. This shows that the seeds of the 8 fold path is nor sown in the heart of Devadatta. Therefore he was led by the ambition and found himself prey to tanha.
ReplyDeleteBuddha's first sermon, the five Ascetics was inspired by his insights and became the first Bhikkhus (monks). Buddha's sermons and insights also inspired the wealthy young man Yasa who is from Varanasi and his family members converted and they became the first lay disciples of Buddha. Buddha's beautiful sermons and insights make me reflect on myself and how I will be effective and attractive in my ministry places.
ReplyDeleteThose who were hesitant to join (the five Ascetics) were finally convinced to change their conservative mindset and join the enlightened one, becoming one with him in their lifetime. The Buddha, an enlightened being, could attract many more through his words of wisdom. Consequently, the community known as the sangha was formed. Women were also given allowances by establishing the Bhikkhuni-Sangha.
ReplyDeleteHowever, not all who followed him had pure intentions. His own cousin could not stand his success. The words of Jesus actually ring true when he says, "The prophet is not accepted in his own hometown." The people who are familiar are the ones who cannot stomach the success. Fortunately, as they believed, karma had its own cause.
The formation of the Sangha marked a significant milestone in Buddhism, as the Buddha's teachings attracted followers, leading to the establishment of the monastic order, the spread of his message, and the inclusion of women, despite facing challenges and conflicts from within and outside.
ReplyDeleteBuddha's sermon inspires first disciples because his teachings are new and give meaning to life. To carry forward his teachings is challenging because he says no self.
ReplyDeleteThe formation of the Sangha faced challenges and conflicts. Buddha emphasized the democratic principles of the sangha. Some people are envious of our success.
ReplyDeleteFrom today's lesson I learnt that personal desires and ego has always led to destruction of oneself and the common goodwill of the group. But one's personal desire and ego does not last longer over comman good and unity.
ReplyDeleteThe founding of the Sangha illustrates the importance of community in spiritual growth. The teachings of Anatta highlight that clinging to a permanent self leads to suffering, emphasizing the need for self-awareness and acceptance of change. The expansion of the Sangha to include both monks and nuns reflects the inclusivity of the Buddha's message. Additionally, the challenges faced by the Sangha, particularly from figures like Devadatta, remind us that ambition and rivalry can hinder spiritual progress, underscoring the value of humility and cooperation in the pursuit of enlightenment.
ReplyDeleteThe way Bhuddha has founded the sangha by attracting many people, make me to reemagin the vocation story of mine and cherish the moment. My vocation becomes strong.
ReplyDeleteBudha started the sangha where his cousin sister joined along with her friends, Devadhatha was jealous of Budha's work and he wanted to become leader of Sngha by killing Budha .
ReplyDeleteThe founding of the Sangha is a transformative moment in Buddhism, emphasizing on community and the means to spread Buddha’s Enlightenment. The Buddha’s openness to lay followers and women shows the inclusive and adaptable nature of his teachings and to convey the clear message that liberation is possible for all who is willing.
ReplyDeleteSangaha opened the door to Buddhism. It gave space to welcomemen and women as Buddha's disciples and to spread his teachings to the world.
ReplyDelete