The Bhikkhu Paṭimokkha as Tool to Preserve Buddhism

Abstract

This article is intended to analyze the Bhikkhu Paṭimokkha as tool to preserve Buddhism. It is a Qualitative Research.

From the research, it is found that the Bhikkhu Paṭimokkha is the first primary teachings, the presidency, the head of all Dhamma divided into two categories: (1) Ovāda-Patimokkha is the Paṭimokkha of instructions. The main thing is to preside over the teachings or concluding principles of Buddhism that includes both doctrines and principles of Sangha’s governance. The Proclamation of principles that is an essence of Buddhism. There are three principles, four methods, and six ideologies. (2) Ānāpatimokkha is the provision related to monastic rules for Bhikkhu and Bhikknuni, penalties, and the benefits of participation in reciting and listening to the Bhikkhu-P̄aṭimokkha. The ĀnāPatimokkha is also called Buddha-Ānā, a disciplinary measure that the Buddha enacted for monks. It is considered the Buddha's instructions laid down as guideline for monks’ practices and used a tool to govern the Saṅgha community.

Being restraint in Bhikkhupāṭimokkha helps to maintain Buddhism into 3 dimensions including: (1) Stability on Buddhist Personnel:It helps to prevent monks from violating any Buddhist disciple that may make him falls from monk-hood, protect monks from staying in any harmful or dangerous place, healing sick monks, prevent monks from being friends with immoral monks, protect monks from being disturbed or slandered, prevent monks from disunity, ordain men with the age of 20 years and over, treat ascetics carefully, and prohibit monks from staying in any private place that can lead to misunderstanding; (2) Stability on Buddhist Teaching: It helps to prohibit monks from objecting Bhikkhupāṭimokkha teaching, define the method of Dhamma teaching to Buddhist nuns and women appropriately, prohibit monks from performing any disrespectful action to the Buddhist disciplines, and enable monks to teach Dhamma to all people by considering on occasions and manners of listeners; (3) Stability on Buddhist Places: It helps to define construction of Senāsana to meet with living, i.e., not too big and luxurious with appropriate decoration and painting colour, provide sufficient beds, stools, mats, and mattresses, provide accommodation to monks fairly without any bias.