The Role of the Vinaya Pitaka in Shaping Bhikkhu Regulations in Modern Myanmar

The Role of the Vinaya Pitaka in Shaping Bhikkhu Regulations in Modern Myanmar

Dr. Pallabi Mukherjee1, Venerable Parama2

1Assistant Professor, Supervisor, 2Research Scholar (Ph.D.)

Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut, U.P. Ashinparama1500@gmail.com

Abstract

The Vinaya Pitaka, regarded as the cornerstone text in the Theravada school of Buddhism, assists in all aspects regarding the management of the monastic order and the overall discipline of its members, the Bhikkhu, better known as the Buddhist monks. The focus of the article is the examination of the relevance of Vinaya Pitaka concerning the present day regulations on bhikkhus' behavior in Myanmar, specifically the way its principles impose modification of customary and present-day views on the appropriate behavior of monks. When seeking to adapt the historical development of vinaya precepts in relation to Bolivian Vietnam, the article addresses the historical transmission of these guidelines. Among them are the issues related to the interdependence of excessive monasticism and modernity, the role of the sangha in enforcing the vinaya, and the status of the vinaya in the resolution of contemporary moral questions in monasticism. Moermvoer, the paper examines the relationship between Vinaya rule and political and legal changes in Myanmar which impede the observance and implementation of Vinaya rule. The general conclusion is that the Pitaka of Vinaya remains an integral part of the canonical disciple among bhikkhus but one that has adapted to modernity.