The usual image of the Buddha is of a man seated alone, deep in meditation. So it can be a surprise to find that Buddhism gives great importance to the Sangha, the spiritual community. Some may feel that their guru or teacher is all that they need. To others, the idea of sharing their inner and outer lives, triumphs and disappointments, with others can seem a challenge or even a threat. But the spiritual community is not about unthinking conformity or belonging to a comfortable group. Rather, it is the free association of developing individuals choosing to help each other along the path. To explore the nature of the spiritual community is also to examine what makes us true individuals. This exploration ranges from our relationships with spiritual teachers through our friends, family and fellow workers to the benefits the spiritual community can offer to the wider world.
What is the Sangha? The Nature of Spiritual Community, Sangharakshita, Windhorse Publications, Paperback, 288 pp, $18.95

A respected translator and author of over fifty books, Sangharakshita began studying Buddhism at the age of 16. After 20 years studying in India he returned to England and set up the Friends of the Western Buddhist Order which has over 65 centres worldwide, including the USA.

CONTENTS: What is the Sangha? The Nature of Spiritual Community
		About the Author	vii
		Editor's Preface	1
Part 1	The Group and the Spiritual Community
		Introduction	1
	1	The Sangha Jewel	13
	2	The Traditional Sangha	23
	3	Individuality: The Essence of Sangha	35
	4	The History of the Spiritual Community	41
	5	The Group and the Spiritual Community	51
	6	Authority	63
	7	The Positive Group and the New Society	71
	8	The Path of Dissatisfaction	79
Part 2	The True Individual
		Introduction	87
	9	The Evolution of the Individual	95
	10	The Integrated Individual	107
	11	Overcoming the Self	115
	12	The Artist as the True Individual	127
Part 3	The Network of Personal Relationships
		Introduction	143
	13	Being a Buddhist Parent	153
	14	Is a Guru Necessary?	167
	15	Fidelity	185
	16	The Meaning of Friendship	197
	17	Buddhism and Business Relationships	205
	18	Non-exploitation	213
	19	Gratitude	219
Conclusions Can the Spiritual Community Save the World?
	20	A Buddhist View of Current World Problems	235
	21	Buddhism and Western Society	243
		Notes and References	249
		Further Reading	257
		Index	259