Thus have I heard:
One time, the Budha was staying at Anaathapindidas Ashrama in Jetavana of Shraavastii.
At that time, the Bhagavaan addressed the bhikshus:
“Practice one dharma,
And widely propagate one dharma.
Having practiced this one dharma,
You will gain renown,
Attain great merits,
Experience all wholesome qualities,
Taste the nectar of liberation,
Reach the unconditioned state,
Attain spiritual powers,
Dispel distracting thoughts,
Achieve the fruits of the Shramana path,
And realize Nirvaana.
What is this one dharma?
It is mindfulness of the Sangha (Sanghaanusmriti).”
The Budha addressed the bhikshus:
“How does practicing mindfulness of the Sangha lead to renown, great fruits, the arising of all wholesome qualities, the taste of the nectar of liberation, the attainment of the unconditioned state, the realization of spiritual powers, the dispelling of distracting thoughts, the achievement of the Shramana fruits, and the realization of Nirvaana?”
At that time, the bhikshus addressed the Bhagavaan:
“The source of all dharmas is spoken by the Tathaagata. We beseech the Bhagavaan to explain this profound meaning to the bhikshus. Having heard it from the Tathaagata, we will uphold and practice it.”
At that time, the Bhagavaan addressed the bhikshus:
“Listen carefully! Listen carefully! Reflect deeply on this, for I will explain it to you in detail.”
The bhikshus replied: “So it is, Bhagavaan.”
The bhikshus then respectfully accepted the teaching.
The Bhagavaan said:
“If a bhikshu, with upright body and mind, sits cross-legged, fixes his mindfulness, and is free from distracting thoughts, single-mindedly practicing mindfulness of the Sangha, he will reflect on the Sangha of the Tathaagata, which is accomplished in wholesome deeds, upright and in harmony with the Dharma, free from unwholesome actions, united and harmonious, and accomplished in all aspects of the Dharma.
The Sangha of the Tathaagata is accomplished in:
- Precepts (Shila),
- Meditative Concentration (Samadhi),
- Wisdom (Prajna),
- Liberation (Vimukti),
- Knowledge and Vision of Liberation (Vimukti-jnana-darshana).
The Sangha consists of the four pairs and eight types of noble beings.
This is the Sangha of the Tathaagata, which should be revered, served, and respected. Why?
Because it is the field of merit for the world. In this Sangha, all are of one vessel, liberating themselves and others, leading to the three vehicles of liberation. Such is the work of the Sangha.
Thus, bhikshus, practicing mindfulness of the Sangha leads to renown, great fruits, the arising of all wholesome qualities, the taste of the nectar of liberation, the attainment of the unconditioned state, the realization of spiritual powers, the dispelling of distracting thoughts, the achievement of the Shramana fruits, and the realization of Nirvaana.
Therefore, bhikshus, always reflect and never stray from mindfulness of the Sangha. In this way, you will attain these virtuous qualities.
Thus, bhikshus, you should train yourselves in this manner.”
When the bhikshus heard what the Budha said, they followed it with joy.