Relationship Between the Vinaya and the Ethical Structure of Buddhist Teachings for Bhikkhus (Monks)

Relationship Between the Vinaya and the Ethical Structure of Buddhist Teachings for Bhikkhus (Monks)

1 UGGASENA, 2 Dr. Dilip Mohanlal Kataria

1Ph.D Research Scholar, Department of History, Faculty of Arts, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, India

2Assistant Professor, Department of History, Faculty of Arts, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, India

Abstract

In Buddhism, the monastic code of discipline, the Vinaya, gives a Bhikkhu's conduct an ethical underpinning. This research focuses on the complex interplay between the Vinaya and the overarching ethical principles of Buddhism about moral development, harmony of the Sangha, and spiritual evolution. The Buddhist Vinaya, based on Buddha's teachings, is comprehensive as it provides a way of living that includes self and social obligations. Incorporation of the Vinaya with Buddhist ethics has been pronouncedly stressed with specific reference to the ethical teachings outlined in the Threefold Training. The Vinaya incorporates the moral philosophy of Buddhism in a more practical form, which is Sīla. It agrees with the main ethical guidelines, namely, the Eightfold Path, which emphasizes proper conduct, the correct language, and the suitable means of sustenance. This symbiosis ensures that Bhikkhus are equipped with self-restraint, compassion, and mindfulness, which are critical for their emancipation and the well-being of the monastic order. The Vinaya system can significantly assist the much-needed introspection and realization of wrong ways, as it provides for means of confession and atonement. This study underlines the Vinaya's purifying force, which preserves Buddhism's ethical content.

Keywords        Vinaya, Buddhist Ethics, Bhikkhus, Monastic Discipline, Ethical, Conduct (Sīla), Sangha Harmony,  Buddhist Moral Philosophy