sangha

Sangha (sangat): the community of friends on the spiritual path.

We need help, because the spiritual path is a difficult one. It's difficult because it goes against our addictions - our anger, hatred, and obsession.

Qualities recommended by Buddha for good sangha members:

1. "Well-settled" well-settled in terms of morality
people who refrain from harming themselves and others.

2. "Well-seeing" - a person who sticks to his or her principles. It supports the first quality.

3. "Straightforward" but with wisdom of knowing what to say and when to say it.

4. Be able to get along with others and be adaptable. (adaptable to culture, customs, and be able to entertain other points of views.)

5. Someone we can admire - anyone who comes close to that person will be benefited, spiritually as well as in daily life. They are a source of joy.

6. Someone who will stick with you to the end.

Sangha friends are also good mirrors. They reflect not only the good qualities mentioned above but also the difficult ones we all have and often don't wish to admit to. If somebody's behavior is really bothering you, it is a good indication that there might be something being reflected in that person that you don't like about yourself.

Source: "Sangha" by Gehlek Rimpoche in Parabola Winter 2004, theme: "Friendship"