Traditional Dimensions and Practices of Parivāsa in Myanmar · SBAM Repository

Title: Traditional Dimensions and Practices of Parivāsa in Myanmar
Author: Ashin Soma
Level: MA
Class: Research Student
Type: Research Paper
Format: PDF
Language: English
Subject: Buddhist Studies
Date: 2024
Place: Mandalay
Publisher: Sitagu Buddhist Academy Mandalay
Rights Holder: Sitagu Buddhist Academy Mandalay
Abstract: This paper gives the explanation of two types of Parivāsa and of duties widely used in Myanmar comparing the traditional dimensions and contemporary applications. The observation of Parivāsa is the only way to atone for Saṁghādisesa offence. Nevertheless, the popularity of observing Parivāsa is getting lesser. In this concern, it is observed that some different dimensions are among traditional scholar monks. Hteim Taw Sayadaw assumes, Suddhantaparivāsa is for not knowing the concealed period and Agghasamodhānaparivāsa is for knowing the concealed period. On the other hand, Taung Phi Lar, San Kyaung, and Sayadaw U Nandavaṁsābhivaṁsa state that Suddhanta is for a long period of concealment and Agghasamodhāna is for short period of concealment. Moreover, there are four ways to observe Nikkhittavatta, one of duties, and the ways used in some monasteries are not the same. Accordingly, this research paper is an attempt to give a clear understanding the practice of Parivāsa comparing and analyzing different perspectives of Myanmar scholar monks. It is a critical analysis and mainly uses Cūḷavagga Pāḷi, Vinaya commentaries and sub-commentaries as its references. It is expected that this research paper will give a clear understanding of Parivāsa and duties that should be observed in different situations.

Keywords: Parivāsa, Suddhantaparivāsa, Agghasamodhānaparivāsa, Nikkhittavatta, and Observation.

Item sets: SBAM 4th Annual Seminar Proceedings 2024