The Sangha is one of the Three Jewels which we take refuge in everyday while doing our daily sadhanas. However, do we actually know the meaning and reason for paying respects to the Sangha, and how does respecting the Sangha help us in our spiritual growth? In everything we do within Buddhism, it is essential that we always check with ourselves if we truly understand the practice we are engaged in. If we realize that we lack the understanding, then we should seek knowledge, understand it and most importantly apply it and practise it. Below is an article I found written by Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh, where he explains about the Sangha community. Although Thich Nhat Hanh is from a different tradition of Buddhism, the rules and vows that the Sangha community upholds as well as their purpose of existence is similar in all Buddhist traditions. I have been an admirer of Thich Nhat Hanh for many, many years and pray for his long life and good health. He is someone who has dedicated his life to the Buddha Dharma and has benefited countless sentient beings with his pure monk vows and bodhicitta. Do read the article below as it [...]