In Buddhism, sangha is one of the three jewels. Sangha refers to the people with whom we are in community and share beliefs. The word sangha in Sanskrit and Pali means “group, assembly.” When we speak of the Maha-Sangha, or the great community, it refers to the four types of the Buddha’s followers: monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen. Together, they make up the sangha. Originally, sangha referred only to the community of monks and nuns (bhikkhu/bhikkhuni) or to the community of “noble ones” (arya sangha)—people who have attained the first stage of “awakening,” called stream-enterers. Modern Buddhists often use sangha to refer to all those who follow the Buddha and practice the dharma, particularly their immediate group of friends and community.

From Confucius to Aristotle, there are many different sayings across cultures that speak about the importance of choosing one’s friends and associates carefully and the significance of the company we keep. While the full meaning and value of the sangha is a rich and complex subject, we can consider how creating a culture of respect towards one’s spiritual community—those who are aspiring to follow the same path—will have a beneficial impact on both the individual and the group.

The sangha, in its broader sense, is a community of shared aspirations that helps us cultivate a vital sense of belonging and shared purpose, where individuals come together to support each other’s growth and well-being.

The people we associate with have tangible and intangible effects on the way we think, our values, and our experience in the world.

Experience the presence of people with exceptional qualities such as carefully selected sages, bhikkhus, lamas or laypeople with kind hearts and good intentions. Reflect on how a virtuous presence impacts them. Think of any group you’ve been a part of—a sports team, a book club, a volunteer organization—where shared goals and mutual support helped you persevere and achieve more than you could alone.

• Who are the people you have met or would like to meet who have qualities that you would like to develop?

Evaluate the impact of one’s social connections; identify the qualities and virtues that make a good friend; implement boundaries with non-virtuous influences; and analyze the definition and importance of sangha in Buddhism.