The Buddha taught that Three Refuges support us in our practice: the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. In the sangha, the “Third Jewel”, we can reflect and find inspiration. In sangha, our minds become harmonized, our bodies are invigorated, and our hearts are warmed.
This week, Stephanie brought to our group the investigation of what makes a sangha and why it’s so valuable. To support this, Phillip Moffitt’s dharma talk, “Sangha, The Third Jewel” offers an exploration of sangha as a reflection of our own individual development, as means of practice, and as support for others on the path.
There is a Tibetan saying “Only the snow lions among us can go into solitude in the wilderness and achieve enlightenment alone.” most of us depend on being part of a sangha. Taking refuge implies finding a reliable spiritual sanctuary, a place to safely rest your heart and mind.
Lama Surya Das, Awakening the Buddha Within: Tibetan Wisdom for the Western World
The Snow Lion resides in the East and represents unconditional cheerfulness, a mind free of doubt, clear and precise. It has a beauty and dignity resulting from a body and mind that are synchronized. The Snow Lion has a youthful, vibrant energy of goodness and a natural sense of delight.
http://tibetanbuddhistencyclopedia.com/en/index.php/Snow_Lion
You can listen to Phillip’s talk here:
Burlington Buddhist Sangha 