The Value of Spiritual Community

Q. Must you join a sangha to advance as a Buddhist?

A. You don't have to join any sangha (community) in order to be a Buddhist. Anyone can start learning about, reflecting upon and practicing Buddhism just by hearing or reading about it.

Being a Buddhist is more a matter of turning your heart and mind in that direction, and of practicing Buddhism and living in accordance with its ethical and compassionate, nonviolent guiding principles, than of any formal conversion ceremony.

Of course, a spiritual community, congregation or group can help you in various ways, and has proven helpful to many, including myself. It may be an easier and more direct path for you to learn how to meditate, chant, pray and study Buddhism with a group or a teacher, than to just go it alone.

Meditating and doing various Buddhist practices with others seems to generate a great power and blessing of its own. Spiritual friends, elders and teachers also can be of great service and help along the way. However, joining a group can get in the way for certain people. What works best is a very personal decision based on psychological makeup and background, hopes and aspirations.

The Buddha himself said:

"How joyful to look upon the awakened
And to keep company with the wise.
Follow the shining ones,
The wise, the awakened, the loving,
For they know how to work and forbear.

But if you cannot find
Friend or master to go with you,
Travel on alone--
Like a king who who has given away his kindgdom,
Like an elephant roaming free in the forest.

If the traveler can find
A virtuous and wise companion
Let him go with him joyfully
And overcome the dangers of the way.

Follow them
As the moon follows the path
Of the stars."

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