Study and analysis of the entering of the Parivāsakaram of Buddhist monks in Doi Lor District, Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

The study titled 'An Analytical Study of Parivasakamma Participation by Buddhist Monks in Doi Lo District, Chiang Mai Province' aimed to.1)Study the principles of Parivasakamma in Buddhism. 2) Examine Parivasakamma participation by Buddhist monks in Doi Lo District, Chiang Mai Province. 3) Analyze Parivasakamma participation by Buddhist monks in Doi Lo District, Chiang Mai Province.This study employed a qualitative research methodology, incorporating document analysis and in-depth interviews with 15 key informants, comprising monks, academics, and relevant laypeople.

          The research results revealed that:

          1) Regarding the principles and history of Parivasakamma in Buddhism, it was found that Parivasakamma is a crucial process for purifying Saṅghādisesa offenses. It serves to restore the purity of a monk's precepts according to the Vinaya, while also fostering the mental development of the monk. This practice originates from a monk incurring one of the 13 Saṅghādisesa offenses, which are considered grave offenses. Such a monk must undergo Parivasakamma to be absolved of the offense. Wat Pak Thang Samakkhi (Mon Rue Si) in Doi Lo District, Chiang Mai Province, is a significant temple that continuously organizes Parivasakamma activities.

          2) The format of Parivasakamma participation by monks in Doi Lo District, Chiang Mai Province, was found to be the Jūḷasudhanta Parivāsa. This is a Parivāsa that the Sangha collectively resolves to hold for three days and three nights, followed by an additional six nights of Manatta, and then an Abbhan ceremony, totaling 10 days. The organization of Parivasakamma by Wat Pak Thang Samakkhi (Mon Rue Si) receives cooperation from the local Sangha, community, and relevant agencies, which helps promote the Vinaya, Dharma practice, and community relations. 

          3) An analysis of the Parivasakamma of monks in Doi Lo District, Chiang Mai Province, revealed it to be a major communal Sangha ceremony organized for monks who have committed a Saṅghādisesa offense to undertake practices for purification. They must confess their transgressions to the Sangha every morning and evening, engage in meditative reflection, and develop their minds. The process involves spending three days in Parivāsa, practicing Manatta for six nights, and then requesting Abbhan for one day, totaling 10 days. The benefit of undergoing Parivasakamma is that the large assembly of monks readmits the individual into the Sangha as a normal monk, signifying that the Saṅghādisesa offense has been purified. This differs from the expiation of minor offenses, which only requires a confession (desana). The practice adheres to the Vinaya principles. Furthermore, the organization of Parivasakamma fosters faith within the community, leading to a deeper understanding of the Dharma and Vinaya, and strengthening the Sangha in Chiang Mai Province. Wat Pak Thang (Mon Rue Si) organizes this annually to preserve Buddhism".