A Sangha is a significant spiritual family of Samaya brothers and sisters. A family, that lives by spiritual principles and pursues spiritual rather than worldly goals.

Therefore it is called a jewel because it allows everyone to study and practice the teachings. It creates and preserves the sadhu culture, a unique spiritual field within which spiritual development, evolution, and Enlightenment are possible.

It points the way for humanity in the darkness of material illusion and samsaric ignorance. It is the manifested body - the manifestation of Guru Dattatreya, who manifests as a lineage of gurus, param-gurus, indigenous gurus, temples, and texts. It educates laypeople, future monks, and preceptors. It preserves and transmits precious teachings into the future. It embodies the will of the Gurus, the Siddhas, the Vedic Rishis, and the Gods of the Vedic tradition.

It seeks to enlighten humankind, to carry the culture of Advaita, the culture of Sadhus and Jnanias. It rallies spiritual seekers around itself, showing them the way to awakening.

One should enter the Sangha with faith, hope, openness, trust, and love.

(From an article by Sri Guru Swami Vishnudevananda Giri)