Contemplating the Unique Qualities of the Sangha:



Perfectly training is this Noble Sangha community of the Buddha's Noble disciples!

Training the right way, the true way, the good way, the direct way! Therefore do

these eight kinds of individuals, these four Noble pairs, deserve both gifts, sacrifice,

offerings, hospitality and reverential salutation with joined palms, since this Noble Sangha

community of the Buddha's Noble disciples, is an unsurpassable and forever unsurpassed

field of merit, in this world, for this world, to honour, support, respect and protect...

The blessed Buddha said:

As long as he recollects these special qualities of the Sangha in this way, defined

as 'having entered on the good way', then: On that occasion his mind cannot be

obsessed by greed, or obsessed by hate, or obsessed by delusion; his mind possess

an unassailable integrity, when being inspired by this Noble Sangha (AN III 286) .

When a bhikkhu is devoted to this recollection of the Community, he is respectful

and deferential towards the Community. He attains fullness of faith! He has much

happiness and bliss. He conquers fear and dread. He is able to endure pain. He feels

as if he were living in the Sangha's presence. When dwelling in the recollection of

the Sangha's special qualities his body becomes indeed as worthy of veneration as

an Uposatha house, where the Sangha has met. His mind inclines only towards the

attainment of this Community's special qualities. Furthermore: When he encounters

an opportunity for transgression, he has awareness of conscience and shame as vivid

as if he were face to face with the elder Theras of the Noble Sangha. And if he can

penetrate no higher, he is at least headed for a happy destiny. Visuddhimagga I 221

Now when a man is truly wise, his constant task should surely be,

This recollection of the Sangha, blessed with such mighty potency!

Visuddhimagga I 218

The EMERGENCE of HARMONY:

Pleasant is the arising of a Buddha.

Pleasant is the teaching of the Dhamma.

Pleasant is peace and unity in the Sangha.

Pleasant is the harmony of those united therein!

Dhammapada Illustration 194 Background Story 194





MEDITATION-3

Ever are the true disciples of the Buddha well awake and quite aware.

Constantly they meditate both day and night on the Noble Sangha.

Dhammapada Illustration 298 Background Story 296-301