In Buddhism, the sangha is a spiritual community. It is one of the three
pillars of Buddhism, along with the Buddha and the dharma (the
teachings). For me, it has been the most challenging part of my path.
I came to Buddhism as an adult. I already had a life built apart from my
practice. I feel stretched thin, between work and family and friends.
It's a good problem to have, to have so many people I cherish and want
to spend time with that I can hardly squeeze it all in, but it's a
problem nonetheless. To add another community, is to somehow carve a
small pie into even smaller pieces.
I think though, it is what I need to do. Because I am coming to see the
wisdom in that third pillar. It is hard to practice in a community of
one. To respect your own journey, you almost have to see someone else's.
There is a huge relief in the feeling that you are not the only one
experiencing something. Other people have felt the same leg cramps or
the same irritation or the same peace or joy. Sometimes you need a
reminder, or encouragement or even a correction from someone who has
been in your shoes. You need an example, for good or ill. The sangha
provides all that and more. Sometimes you need to be an example for
someone else, or the only way forward is to help someone else get
something they need. There are lessons in the reciprocity of community,
in the give and take among like minded folk.
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