New Questions and Ideas — Social Studies STD 6 — Question
CBSE BoardEnglish MediumSTD 6Social StudiesNew Questions and Ideas5 Marks
Question
Discuss the Sangha.
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Answer
Both the Buddha and the Mahavira (the founders of the Buddhism and the Jainism) 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.
The rules made for the Buddhist sangha were written down in a book called the Vinaya Pitaka. From this book 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, 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.
Men and women who joined the sangha led simple lives. They meditated for most of the time, and went to villages, towns and cities to beg for their food during fixed hours. That is why, they were known as bhikshus and bhikshunis. They taught others, and helped one another. They held frequent meetings to settle any quarrels that took place.
Those who joined the sangha included brahmins, kshatriyas, merchants, labourers, barbers and slaves. Many of them wrote down the teachings of the Buddha. Some of them also composed beautiful poems, describing their life in the sangha.
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