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Taking Refuge in the Sangha
Taking refuge in the Sangha is a basic practice and the way out of difficulties. The essence of Sangha is harmony, represented by the Vietnamese word Hòa, which means peace, togetherness, and concord. To enter a Sangha is to learn and practice the Six Harmonies, or Lục Hòa Kính, where Kính signifies the necessary spirit of reverence and mutual respect. True happiness and love cannot exist without this respect, which must be present in every word, act, and thought.
The Six Harmonies are:
- Thân hòa đồng trụ: Harmony of the body. This involves offering one’s true physical presence to the community. Whether for walking meditation or meals, being physically present allows the Sangha to be seen and touched. Even when tired or weak, allowing the Sangha to embrace and transport the body brings healing and energy.
- Khẩu hòa vô tránh: Harmony of speech. Speech is used to build the Sangha, avoiding words that cause discord or damage. Skillfulness in communication is cultivated to tell the truth without causing harm, sometimes relying on other brothers or sisters to speak if one lacks the necessary skill.
- Ý hòa đồng duyệt: Harmony of ideas. Attachment to personal ideas is abandoned in favor of combining the ideas of the Sangha. Surrendering individual notions to the collective wisdom brings joy (duyệt) and prevents the suffering that comes from imposing one’s own way.
- Giới hòa đồng tu: Sharing the same precepts. The Mindfulness Trainings serve as the teacher and unite the community. Practicing the same trainings protects the individual, the family, and society.
- Kiến hòa đồng giải: Sharing knowledge and insight. Members share skills, experiences, and understanding, remaining permeable to one another rather than acting as separate islands. Leadership, like the elder bird in a flock, is recognized naturally through experience and presence rather than elections.
- Lợi hòa đồng quân: Sharing material benefits equally. The community shares the environment, facilities, and any financial gains, such as royalties from collective works, ensuring equal distribution and care for all members.
Sangha life is realized by behaving like a river or a flock of birds, moving together in safety. Embracing the Sangha as one’s body and life releases suffering and fulfills the practice of taking refuge.