Theravada Bikkhu Bill to empower Sangha Adhikarana decisions

Some sections of the Maha Sangha seem to be agitated about the ‘Theravada Bikkhu bill’ introduced in Parliament a few days ago. Among the contents of the bill are provisions to restrict Buddhist Priests engaging in occult practices and engaging in business ventures etc.  Driving of motor vehicles and obtaining driving licenses are some of the other restrictions spelt out in the bill. According to Government spokesmen, this bill was introduced to empower the Maha Nayake Theros of all major sects or Nikayas to pronounce edicts on errant Bikkhus who were found to have violated ‘ Bikkhu Vinaya ‘ or discipline as proclaimed in the codes of conduct flowing down from the Vinaya Pitaka. Some of these disciplinary codes are now incorporated in the bill. That is to say, conferring legal authority to the Maha Nayake Theros to maintain discipline among the Sangha. These provisions are said to be the result of ‘ kathikawatha ‘ or deliberations among the leading priests of all sects. 

As laymen, we see this bill as an essential need after witnessing the deplorable behavior and violent outbursts of certain members of the clergy who don the yellow robe which is venerated by Buddhists in all countries that  have embraced Buddhism. The conduct of certain monks are totally against the noble precepts spelt out by the Buddha and the serene outlook they are expected to depict. The Buddha sasana is demeaned and brought to ridicule by these monks in the eyes of the world.  In recent times, the picture of serene Buddhist priests walking with bowed head and compassionate facial expression known all over the world is replaced by the pictures of violent monks  with fists wielding and surly faces, thanks to the extremist and racist cult feelings pervading the so called Buddhist disciples. 

Added to this, we often see Newspaper reports of Buddhist monks engaging in all types of nefarious activities including trading of illegally captured wild elephants. Some are leading ostentatious lifestyles and indulging in luxuries that layman can only dream of. In certain instances, monks are engaging in litigation to stake their claims to be chief priest of temples as if they were waiting till the incumbent chief priest passes away. In a few instances, some have checked into hotels to take a break when visiting outstations rather than reside in the temples in the village or town. Certain electronic channels dedicated to propagation of Dhamma are commercialised to such an extent that each one hour sermon is priced highly and is sponsored by   lay families who can afford it. Their only objective is to announce the names at the start and conclusion of the sermon which is only a substitute for commercial ads. 

Most venerable Prof Bellanvila Wimalaratne Thero has said that priests should not drive vehicles and what is the venerable status of priests if a layman sits alongside in the vehicle.  A more serious situation will be when a man is knocked down by a vehicle driven by a priest and the victim dies. The priest has to be taken into custody and if not driven according to set traffic rules, he could even be charged for involuntary manslaughter. 

Ven. Bengamuwe Nalaka thero making a statement to the media after seeing the Maha Nayake theros in Kandy said that they will oppose this bill and not hesitate to surround parliament when it is taken up for debate. Ven. Galagodaatte Gnanassara Thero of BBS said to the media that some of the remaining rights of the priests are to be taken away by the bill and he questioned the rationality of restricting Buddhist monks in engaging in occult practices when priests of other religions are continuing to do this. The difference is that certain occult practices are closely connected to their religious activities but occultism is not permitted under Buddhist precepts. It is a pity that the Venerable monk cannot comprehend this. He went on to say that the MPs who vote for the bill will not be able to find any priest to conduct religious rites at funerals etc,. Such threats may amount to moral intimidation  and infringement of the democratic rights of the people exercised through the elected representatives in Parliament. The bill can be amended or rewritten if certain clauses are not acceptable but it is necessary at this juncture to impose some form of discipline among the Venerable Priests if the country wishes to maintain the pristine status of Buddhism. 

T. Mallawatantri