There are six principles known as “the six points of harmony (or unity)”, i.e. harmony or unity among disciplines, harmony of views, of interests, in bodily actions, in speech and in mind. To explain briefly, the six points mean: (the Sangha as a whole is ) to observe identical commandments, to held same views when studying side by side, to share equally in the community’s goods, to help each other in daily life, to mutually advise to do good and to avoid mistakes, to fraternally love and respect each other in matters of faith. Through these six, the harmony and unity of the whole Sangha can be reached. In order to carry out the above six principles, the Buddha devised a number of rules or regulations for the Sangha. (From Essentials of Buddhism: Questions and Answers)