The Buddha's disciples hailed from diverse social strata. This encompassed not only kings, affluent individuals, and gahapatis (householders), but also those from more modest backgrounds: laborers, slaves, and artisans. Upon entering the sangha, all individuals shed their former social roles to be regarded as equals, unified under the titles of bhikkhus and bhikkhunis. The inner workings of the sangha were modeled after the traditions of ganas and sanghas, where consensus was achieved through deliberations. Should consensus prove elusive, decisions were made by casting votes on the matter.

What was the approach of the sangha towards social identities of its members?

Recognizing them as equals after shedding their former social identities

The Buddha's disciples hailed from diverse social strata. This encompassed not only kings, affluent individuals, and gahapatis (householders), but also those from more modest backgrounds: laborers, slaves, and artisans. Upon entering the sangha, all individuals shed their former social roles to be regarded as equals, unified under the titles of bhikkhus and bhikkhunis. The inner workings of the sangha were modeled after the traditions of ganas and sanghas, where consensus was achieved through deliberations. Should consensus prove elusive, decisions were made by casting votes on the matter.