Sangha

Sangha if not wrong is from the Pali word that means community. In current buddhist context, people tends to recognise Sangha as the monastic. But I would say its a very laid back and selfish perspective. As from many reliable source Sangha in fact includes lay person, non monastic.

It is not hard to find instances in the Sutta Pitaka where the role of the lay person rather important in the work of Dharma propagation. Anathapindika, a famous lay disciples of Buddha , bought over the Jeta grove and thus facilitated Dharma propagation.

I find that in today's context, lay person's job is very important in complimenting the work of the monastic. Having said that, I am not saying that the strength of monastic is limited or we lay-person could do things thats against the Vinaya.

Most non buddhist or even buddhist tends to distance themselves from the monastic just because of respect. Monastic are sometimes seen as "masters" and should only be treated with bows. Although its definitely not true but that's what most people that are not frequent temple goers will feel.

Lay-person will fit in well. I had did some study in various propagation group be it buddhist or non, the trend is the more lay-person at work the propagation is faster but the ideology sometimes are unagreeable. This reflect well in christian groups (esp City Harvest) as well as the unorthordox buddhist group "Sokka".

The Sangha should operates in whole, hand in hand. To me Dharma propagation is something like a life purpose to me. I do confess I have the thought to join the monastics. But whats holding me back first of all is I do know I have some attachments to clear. And the next important issue is the importance of the role of the lay-person. There is indeed a lot of work for me to do in this aspect!!