Ordained Sangha in Sacramento
The sangha, the community of Buddhist monks and nuns, is the oldest monastic tradition going back to the time of the Buddha, nearly 3,000 years ago. By becoming a monk or nun, one abandons the ways and appearance of a lay person and adopts the appearance and ways of an ordained person by keeping a number of vows.
As emissaries of Buddhism they inspire others through speech, ethical behavior, tolerance, compassion, wisdom and provide the opportunity for lay practitioners to integrate respect and support for sangha into their practice of Buddhism. Ordained sangha contribute to world peace and spiritual growth by keeping the Buddha’s teachings alive.
The sangha are educated in Vinaya (monastic discipline) and Buddhist philosophy as a foundation for their spiritual development as well in their roles as spiritual guides, teachers, retreat leaders, counselors, and program coordinators to a center. They need appropriate accommodations, proper nourishment and have access to proper medical care. They need a supportive environment for retreats.
While supporting a sangha helps monks and nuns continue to practice and study in the Buddha’s footsteps it is a noble cause bringing great merit and helps Buddhism to spread within and outside our community.
Lama Jinpa la’s greatest wish is to grow an ordained sangha community in Sacramento; which includes a program of study, meditation and community service. By donating you can help fulfill his Dharma dreams and wishes.
These days are not the hot days of India where one piece of cloth and begging bowl is enough to care for one monk or nun. Living in a metropolitan setting like Sacramento, monks and nuns have a different standard of living providing even greater opportunities for the lay community to practice dana.
