The sangha
1)
Both the Mahavira and the Buddha felt that only those who left their homes could gain true knowledge They arranged for them to stay together in the sangha, an association of those who left their homes.
2)
The rules made for the Buddhist sangha were written down in a book called the Vinaya Pitaka.From this we know that there were separate branches for men and women. All men could join the sangha. However, children had to take the permission of their parents and slaves that of their masters Those who worked for the king had to take his permission and debtors that of creditors.Women had to take their husbands’ permission.
3)
Men and women who joined the sangha led simple lives. They meditated for most of the time,and went to cities and villages to beg for food during fixed hours. That is why they were known as bhikkhus (the Prakrit word for beggar) and bhikkhunis. They taught others, and helped onea another. They also held meetings to settle any quarrels that took place within the sangha.Those who joined the sangha included brahmins kshatriyas, merchants, labourers, barbers, courtesans and slaves. Many of them wrote down the teachings of the Buddha. Some of them also composed beautiful poems, describing heir life in the sangha
Both the Mahavira and the Buddha felt that only those who left their homes could gain true knowledge They arranged for them to stay together in the sangha, an association of those who left their homes.
2)
The rules made for the Buddhist sangha were written down in a book called the Vinaya Pitaka.From this we know that there were separate branches for men and women. All men could join the sangha. However, children had to take the permission of their parents and slaves that of their masters Those who worked for the king had to take his permission and debtors that of creditors.Women had to take their husbands’ permission.
3)
Men and women who joined the sangha led simple lives. They meditated for most of the time,and went to cities and villages to beg for food during fixed hours. That is why they were known as bhikkhus (the Prakrit word for beggar) and bhikkhunis. They taught others, and helped onea another. They also held meetings to settle any quarrels that took place within the sangha.Those who joined the sangha included brahmins kshatriyas, merchants, labourers, barbers, courtesans and slaves. Many of them wrote down the teachings of the Buddha. Some of them also composed beautiful poems, describing heir life in the sangha
Monasteries
To begin with, both Jaina and Buddhist monks went from place to place throughout the year, teaching people. The only time they stayed in one place was during the rainy season when it was very difficult to travel. Then,their supporters built temporary shelters for them in gardens, or they lived in natural caves in hilly areas. As time went on, many supporters of the monks and nuns, and they themselves, felt the need for more permanents shelters and so monasteries were built.These were known asv viharas. The earlies viharas were made of wood, and then of brick.
Some were even in caves that were dug out in hills, especially in western India. Very often, the land on which the vihara was
built was donated by a rich merchant or a
landowner, or the king. The local people came with gifts of food, clothing and medicines for the monks and nuns. In return, they taught the people. Over the centuries, Buddhism spread to many parts of the subcontinent and beyond
Note :
1 reference
a ) www.ncert.nic.in
b) wikemadia
Note :
1 reference
a ) www.ncert.nic.in
b) wikemadia
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