The purpose of the Sangha Emblem is to give the Buddhist Scouts a practical guidance in achieving the spiritual pledge made in the Scout Oath and Law, thereby developing a boy whose views and actions in life would stem from the highest of the Buddhist thoughts.

The Sangha Emblem program aims to do this by leading the boy: 1) to attain understanding and faith in the Buddha, 2) to learn the Teachings, and 3) to practice the harmonious Buddhist way of life, in the spirit of universal brotherhood of all living things. These are the dynamic aspects of the boy's complete acceptance of the Three Treasures (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha).

Finally the Sangha Emblem program gives the scout a solid basis for fuller understanding and greater appreciation of all phases of the scouting program.

The Emblem And What It Means

The Sangha Emblem is a medal consisting of a pendant, ribbon and a bar. The pendant is the Wheel of Dharma, sometimes called the Wheel of Life. It is a symbol which represents the spreading of Buddha's Teachings. The Wheel is suspended from a multi-colored ribbon representing the aura of Buddha's many virtues. This ribbon is attached to a crossbar on which is inscribed the Sanskrit word, "Sangha", meaning brotherhood.

The Boy Scouts of America has authorized the Sangha Emblem to be worn on the Official Uniform over the left breast pocket, to the left of the Eagle Badge, or when the Eagle Badge is not worn, centered above the flap of the left breast pocket.

The Emblem is presented by the temple to a Buddhist Scout in recognition of his spiritual growth as shown by his fulfilling the Emblem requirements.

The requirements are made quite flexible to suit different conditions, so that any Buddhist Scout who sincerely and earnestly applies himself to meeting the requirements of this Emblem will find it to be very rewarding.

Who is Eligible?

Any Buddhist Boy who is a registered member of a Scout Troop or Explorer unit may apply and begin qualifying for the Sangha Emblem. Since this is an individual program, a Buddhist Scout who is a member of any unit may qualify whether or not his unit is sponsored by a Buddhist temple. A boy can start at any rank in scouting, but in order to receive the Emblem he must be at least a first Class and an explorer must have had at least one year in exploring. Non-Buddhist Boy Scouts may participate in the Sangha program provided permission is granted by their parents.

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