The Vinaya Pitaka treatise was set as the first-ever subject in the written test of the Tipitakadhara Tipitakakovida selection examination with the aim of turning out the well-versed members of the Sangha called qualified Suta Buddhas, said Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Bhamo Sayadaw Dr Bhaddanta Kumara Bhivamsa at the opening of the written test of the examination at Wizayamingala Dhamma Thabin Hall on Kaba Aye Hill in Yangon yesterday morning.
Speaking on the occasion, the Sayadaw delivered a Saraniya Ovadakatha, saying that the Vinaya Pitaka treatise guides members of the Sangha to have mental and physical politeness. The monks who abide by the Vinaya Pitaka treatise are more admirable for the Buddhist people. Noviciate and ordination need to follow the rules of Vinaya Pitaka. Hence, forefather venerable Sayadaws remarked that the Vinaya is the backbone of the Sasana.
As preaching of the members of the Sangha on the Dhamma, Adhamma, Vinaya and Avinaya contribute much towards the uplift of socio-economic improvement of the people. Truly, members of the Sangha need to have the capacity for preaching the Dhamma, Adhamma, Vinaya and Avinaya by studying the Tri Pitaka treatises. ‘Sasanatthitiya Pana Pariyatti Pamanam’ mentions that existence of the Buddhism is primarily based on Pariyatti. The Lord Buddha urged members of the Sangha to uplift Buddhism through Dhamma Nuggaha and laypersons to enhance Buddhism through Amisa Nuggaha objects. Moreover, the Lord Buddha stressed the need for laypersons and members of the Sangha to rely on each other to flourish three kinds of Saddhamma for the Sasana.
Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs and Culture U Aye Tun supplicated religious affairs and donated alms and rice to the Sayadaw. The congregation shared merits gained for all donations after listening to the sermon delivered by Secretary of SSMNC Abbot of Minkyaung Pathamabyan Buddhist learning centre in Thanlyin Township Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Dr Bhaddanta Sandima Bhivamsa.
The day meals donated by Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla and family members were offered to Ovadacariya Sayadaws of Tipitakadhara Tipitakakovida, other members of the Sangha and the monks taking the 74th Tipitakadhara Tipitakakovida selection examination. Alms such as robes and cash for nine prerequisites were offered to Ovadacariya Sayadaws.
The deputy minister viewed around 126 participants at the Tipitakadhara Tipitakakovida selection examination. The examination takes place at Maha Pasana Cave on Kaba Aye Hill in Yangon and it will last for five days from 5 to 9 January. — MNA
