 |
|
About > A
Living Transmission
Although the Buddha's teachings are often called Buddhism in the
West, the term he used was Dhamma-Vinaya. This term points out that
Awakening comes through the inseparable combination of a Way (Dhamma)
and a way of life (Vinaya) to enter that Way. Dhamma and Vinaya form an
integrated means of freeing the heart from suffering and conflict both
in the daily round and in the solitude of meditation.
Vinaya is a code and training for those who have ‘Gone
Forth’ from home and family as Buddhist monks and nuns, and
covers regulations and advice around daily life. It is the thread
that binds the Sangha into a co-operative unity. Vinaya centres around
four principles: harmlessness in word and deed; mendicancy –
depending on the voluntary support of the laity for all ones material needs; celibacy –
the restraint that can check and channel sexual
energy for transcendent aims; and community –
guidelines on living in
ways that are co-operative and warm-hearted but free of
attachment. The Sangha of ‘monks’
(bhikkhus) and ‘nuns’ (bhikkhunis, siladharas) is therefore
structured by this code of discipline so that their aims remain
one-pointed and their behaviour sets an example of virtue, simplicity
of needs and spiritual friendship.
Dependent on the generosity of the laity to provide the basic
requisites of life (food, robes, shelter and medicines), the Sangha is
given the opportunity to live simply and with few worldly obligations.
For lay disciples, the relationship with the Sangha provides occasions
for
generosity and a joyful and direct participation in the spiritual
life. For their part, monks and nuns must train themselves to be
worthy of the voluntary support of the laity. This close, yet
unentangled, relationship gives people an opportunity to open up and
share with each other. It also helps to re-establish values that easily get lost in the
confusion of a world often driven by gains and mistrust. So the
monastic and lay communities support, balance and nourish one another
in a beautiful way that encourages living ethically, in moderation and
with good will towards ones fellow human beings - all valuable pointers in
today's world.
About
Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha: The Triple Gem
The Tradition Spreads – India to West Sussex
Chithurst House And Dhamma Hall
Facilities for Women: Rocana And Aloka
Hammer Wood
Our Practice: Going Forth A Moment at a Time
|