Before the Buddha left the three bhikkhus, he spoke to them, “Bhikkhus, the very nature of a sangha is harmony. I believe harmony can be realized by following these principles: “1. Sharing a common space such as a forest or home. “2. Sharing the essentials of daily life together. “3. Observing the precepts together. “4. Using only words that contribute to harmony, avoiding all words that can cause the community to break. “5. Sharing insights and understanding together. “6. Respecting others’ viewpoints and not forcing another to follow your own viewpoint. “A sangha that follows these principles will have happiness and harmony. Bhikkhus, let us always observe these six principles.” The bhikkhus were happy to receive this teaching from the Buddha. The Buddha bid them farewell and walked until he reached Rakkhita Forest, near Parileyyaka. After sitting in meditation beneath a lush sal tree, he decided to spend the approaching rainy season alone in the forest.
Thich Nhat Hanh, Old Path White Clouds
