Schools > Students > Ages 15-16 > Community and tradition > SanghaSangha
Sangha has several meanings.
- It refers to the spiritual community of Buddhists worldwide and throughout time.
- In the Theravada tradition it refers generally to the monks only. (A more detailed description here.)
- Most importantly, it refers to all those who have gained Enlightenment - the aryasangha, or noble sangha. It is mainly this that is meant by the third 'refuge' or 'jewel'. Buddhists 'take refuge' in the sangha; they are able to place their trust in the effectiveness of the Buddha's teaching, because they see that many have done this before them and reached Enlightenment.