Sangha (IPA: [sɐnɡʱɐ]) is a Sanskrit word used in many Indian languages, including Pali which means "association", "assembly", "company" or "community"; in these languages, sangha is frequently used as a surname. In Buddhism, sangha refers to the monastic communities of bhikkhu (monks) and bhikkhuni (nuns). These communities are traditionally referred to as the bhikkhu-sangha or the bhikkhuni-sangha. As a separate category, those Buddhists who have attained any of the four stages of enlightenment, whether or not they are members of the monastic community, are referred to as the āryasaṅgha ("noble Sangha")....

The Sutras contain the teachings of Buddha Gautama during 45 years of spreading the Dharma, including basic teachings such as the Four Noble Truths, Dependent Origination, Anatta... They are recorded in the Magadhi language of the Buddha's time, condensed, transmitted by oral tradition, and systematized through the first and second Congresses of sutra compilations...