For me, my sangha is a gathering of like minded people who care for one another . There are other reasons for coming together, but I think the main purpose for the gathering is to dwell in one anothers presence. We come together primarily to bear one another’s burdens and share one another’s joy. By sharing individual experiences we engage in a common experience.
I realize that some come to the gathering for learning about buddhism. Some come for devotion, to go through the motions taught in retreats or books. These doctrines and devotions have value, but for me they are secondary. They can be part of a gathering, but my main purpose is to experience the presence of all those who show up.
Watching from a distance on zoom has some benefit for those who watch. I see little benefit for those gathered in the circle. For me to experience the presence of the members of the sangha, I want to be able to see, touch and hear them. This means that we need to be in the same room. Seeing people on a screen or hearing their transmitted voices is not much of an experience for me.
My main purpose for gathering with the members of my sangha is to share our deep awareness of one another and experience one anothers presence.