Explain the concept of Buddhist sanghas.

Instructions:

• Describe the reasons leading to the formation of the sanghas.
• Describe the people living in the sanghas.

Solution:
Both the Buddha and Mahavira believed that one can only attain true knowledge once they leave their home. Sanghas were the associations of those who left their homes.

Men and women who joined the sanghas were called Bhikkhus and Bhikkhunis. They visited nearby villages and cities to beg for food during fixed hours.
The rules followed by the Buddhist sanghas are written down in a book called the Vinaya Pitaka. As per this text, men and women had separate branches. All men could join the sangha.