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1. Buddhism in Pinya Period (1298-1364 AD)

Analyze the political and religious developments of the Pinya Period, with particular reference to the role of Hsu Twin Pyit Sayadaw in promoting Theravāda Buddhism.

• Decline of Bagan and Rise of the Pinya Period
  – After the Tartar invasion weakened Bagan’s political power, the last rulers Sawhnit and Uzana controlled only the capital, leading to the emergence of the Pinya period.
• Three Shan–Myanmar Princes Took Power
  – Athinhkaya, Yazathingyan, and Thihathu—descendants of the Bagan dynasty—established three principalities: Myinsaing, Pinya, and Sagaing, marking the beginning of the Pinya period.
• Internal Rivalries but United Against External Threats
  – Although the three princes frequently quarreled due to power struggles and family disputes, they united whenever the Tartars threatened their territories.
• Shans Adopted Buddhism Through Bagan Missionary Influence
  – Originally animists, many Shans embraced Buddhism as Bagan monks spread the Dhamma into Shan regions.
• Religious Patronage in Myinsaing and Pinya
  – Following Bagan traditions, the three princes supported Theravada Buddhism and constructed numerous religious monuments and monasteries, many of which still remain.
• Sagaing as a Long-standing Buddhist Center
  – Even before becoming a political power, Sagaing was a major Buddhist center with thirty-seven hills serving as dwellings for holy recluses founded by various kings and dynasties.
• Prominence of Su Twin Pyit Sayadaw
  – Su Twin Pyit Sayadaw became a renowned monastic scholar during King Thihathu’s reign. After demonstrating superior knowledge in all three aspects of the Sasana—Pariyatti, Patipatti, Pativeda—he was granted a royal monastery.

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2. Buddhism in Inwa Period

Four noted monks of Divine Message

Monk poets of Inwa Period promoted Buddhism by their epic poems.

(Text: Page- 87, 88, 89)

• Shin Uttama Kyaw
• Shin Maha Thilawuntha
• Shin Ohn Nyo and
• Shin Khey Mar
• Divine Message

 

• Shin Uttama Kyaw promoted Buddhism through his famous long poem Tawla, which describes his religious pilgrimage to Shwesettaw Pagodas and inspires devotion through vivid spiritual imagery. (p. 90)
• Shin Maha Thilawuntha, a highly learned monk. (p. 90-91)
• Shin Ohn Nyo contributed to the literary movement. “Gahta Chauk Sei Pyo” (A Pyo of 60 Pali verses) (p. 92)
• Shin Khey Mar, also associated with the “divine message” omen. (p. 92)
• (p. 93) A part from the above mentioned monks of the divine message list, there were many monk writers who emerged in Inwa period.

Noted among them were: –

• Shin Mahar Rahtathara
• Shin Tey Zaw Thaya
• Shin Agga Thamadi
• Shin Aindaguta and
• Kantaw Min Kyaung Sayadaw.

 

• The first four monks were Pyo writers. Shin Maha Rahta Thara was as famous as Shin Maha Thilawin Tha. These two were contemporaries and literary rivals they tried to outdo each other in their literary talents and poetic skills. Their royal patron king Min Khaung encouraged their competition and thus promoted the production of their literary output.

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3. Buddhism in Inwa Period

Inwa Period was the Golden Age of Myanmar Literature.

• The Inwa Period became the golden age of Myanmar literature
• Prominent monks—including Shin Maha Rathathera, Shin Maha Thilawun Tha, and Kantaw Min Kyaung Sayadaw—used diverse literary forms such as Pyo, Mawgun, Yatu, Linka, and Myittasa to promote Buddhism.
• Their works made Buddhist teachings accessible to laypeople.
• (Page. 95-96) down-to-earth literature (down-to-earth = practical and realistic)
• Through their poems, Jataka stories and Buddhist values were widely spread, proving that monk poets’ contributions were central to both Buddhist propagation and the literary brilliance of the Inwa era.

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4. Buddhism in Lower Myanmar

Assignment 1 Question: Critically analyze the religious reforms of King Dhammazedi in Lower Myanmar and evaluate the significance of these reforms in the purification, perpetuation, and propagation of orthodox Theravāda Buddhism.

Outline (Short Notes)

Introduction

• Lower Myanmar ruled by the Mon kingdom with capital at Bago (Hamsavadi)
• Buddhism flourished despite political changes
• King Dhammazedi (1472–1492 AD) was a former monk
• He carried out major religious reforms
• Aim: purification, unification, and strengthening of the Sangha

Body

1. Religious Background

• Buddhism developed since the reign of King Wareru
• Wareru’s Dhammathat showed strong monastic scholarship
• Differences in Vinaya practice existed among monks
• Mahāvihāra tradition of Sri Lanka regarded as the orthodox authority

2. Kalyāṇī Sima Ordination Reform

• Dhammazedi was educated in Sri Lankan Vinaya tradition
• Sent 22 senior monks to Sri Lanka in 1476 AD
• Re-ordination at Kalyāṇī Sima under Mahāvihāra Sangha
• Built a duplicate Kalyāṇī Sima at Bago
• Restored valid and orthodox ordination in Lower Myanmar

3. Purification and Unification of the Sangha

• Strict enforcement of Vinaya discipline
• Monks practicing arts, medicine, astrology expelled
• Sangha Council formed to handle discipline
• Secular authority used carefully to protect the Sangha
• Sangha became purified and unified

4. Expansion and International Recognition

• 396 Kalyāṇī ordination halls built
• Over 15,000 monks ordained
• Monks from Laos, Chiang Mai, Cambodia, and Ayutthaya participated
• Lower Myanmar became a center of Theravāda Buddhism

Conclusion

• Dhammazedi’s reforms restored orthodox Buddhism
• Sangha was purified and unified
• Vinaya discipline strengthened
• International recognition achieved through Sri Lankan connection
• King Dhammazedi regarded as a great religious reformer in Lower Myanmar

Main points of the achievements of religious reforms of King Dhammazedi:

• Having spent many years as a monk, King Dhammazedi understood how to reform the Sangha wisely and carefully.
• As an absolute monarch, he used his secular power to protect and control the Sangha.
• He strengthened the Sangha by enforcing Vinaya and restoring ordination.

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5. Buddhism in Lower Myanmar

According to the religious reforms of King Dhammazedi, explain who deserves to be monks and who does not.

Key points regarding who deserves to be monks and who does not, based on King Dhammazedi’s religious reforms:

Click this link to See more : Person eligible to receive the pabbajjā ordination and Person ineligible to receive the pabbajjā ordination. 

1. Introduction:
2. Eligible Candidates –
3. Educational Requirement – Laymen from good families who wished to receive pabbajjā (novice ordination) had to learn calligraphy and proper intonation before taking refuge in the Three Jewels.
4. Precepts Training –
5. Higher Ordination Preparation – Sāmaneras (novices) reaching 20 years of age had to study the fourfold purification precepts (catupārisuddhisīla) and other monastic disciplines before upasampadā ordination.
6. Final Approval Process –
7. Observance of Vinaya –
8. Ineligible Candidates – Individuals such as criminals, robber-chiefs, escaped prisoners, and offenders against the government are not allowed to become monks.
9. Physical Disabilities –
10. Social Perception –
11. Strict Prohibition –
12. Higher Authority Approval – Upasampadā (higher ordination) could only be granted with the prior approval of King Rāmādhipatirājā or the leading Theras of Hamsavatīpura.
13. Punishment for Violation – If monks granted upasampadā without approval, the king would punish the candidate’s parents, relatives, or lay supporters.
14. Conclusion

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6. Buddhism in Taungoo Period

6. Discuss the Myanmar-Srilankan relations during the reign of King Bayint Naung.

Ten key points on Myanmar-Sri Lankan relations during the reign of King Bayint Naung:

1. Religious and Diplomatic Ties – King Bayint Naung maintained strong relations with Sri Lanka, focusing on both religious and diplomatic exchanges to strengthen Buddhism.
2. Support Against Chola Rebels – Bayint Naung provided military assistance to the Sri Lankan king …
3. Sacred Relics Exchange – As a token of gratitude, the Sri Lankan king gifted Bayint Naung a replica of the Buddha’s Sacred Tooth Relic …
4. Construction of Mahazedi Stupa –
5. Mass Ordinations and Monastic Support –
6. Donations to the Sacred Tooth Relic – In 1555 AD, Bayint Naung sent a mission to Kandy with rich offerings …
7. Land Purchases for Buddhist Institutions – He bought land in Sri Lanka to construct viharas (monasteries) for Myanmar monks …
8. Restoration of Sri Lankan Pagodas – Bayint Naung sent Myanmar masons and craftsmen to Sri Lanka …
9. Defending Buddhism from Foreign Threats – With Sri Lanka frequently facing attacks from Chola rebels and later Portuguese invaders, Bayint Naung sent …
10. Welcoming Sri Lankan Delegation – In 1576 AD, the Sri Lankan king sent a princess and another replica of the Sacred Tooth …

These points highlight the deep religious, diplomatic, and military connections between Myanmar and Sri Lanka during Bayint Naung’s reign.

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7. Buddhism in Nyaung Yan Period

Question Form 1: “With the expulsion of the Portuguese, the King Anaukpetlun revived and guaranteed Buddhist practices”. Comment.

1. Portuguese Threat – The Portuguese, led by Filipe de Brito, gained significant power in the region …
2. Alliance of Inwa and Rakhine – Recognizing the Portuguese threat, the kings of Inwa and Rakhine formed a military alliance …
3. Military Strategy and Siege – Inwa and Rakhine armies laid siege to Thanhlyin …
4. Destruction of De Brito’s Stronghold – The combined forces successfully breached the fortress, capturing De Brito …
5. Punishment of the Traitors – De Brito and Nat Shin Naung …
6. End of Portuguese Influence –
7. Clemency for Portuguese Survivors – King Anaukpetlun showed Buddhist compassion …
8. Integration of Portuguese Descendants –
9. Protection of Buddhism – The removal of the Portuguese threat ensured the survival and continued practice of Buddhism …
10. Religious Tolerance – allowing non-Buddhists to practice freely under his rule …

These points summarize the expulsion of the Portuguese by King Anaukpetlun.

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8. Buddhism in Nyaung Yan Period

8. Question Form 2: Explain briefly how Myanmar kings and people successfully defeated the foreign attempts to destroy Myanmar sovereignty and religion in Nyaung Yan period.

1. Restoration of Myanmar Sovereignty
After the fall of the first Taungoo dynasty, the Lord of Nyaung Yan rebuilt the kingdom, establishing the Nyaung Yan dynasty, which lasted 153 years.

2. Portuguese Expansion & Threat
The Portuguese, driven by maritime dominance, trade, and missionary activities, established strongholds in Myanmar …

3. Rise of Filipe de Brito
A Portuguese mercenary, De Brito gained power in Thanlyin …

4. Desecration of Buddhism
De Brito and his men looted Buddhist temples, destroyed pagodas, …

5. Alliance Against Portuguese Rule
King Anaukphetlun of Inwa and the Rakhine king formed a military alliance …

6. Strategic Siege of Thanlyin
The Ava and Rakhine armies besieged Thanlyin ..

7. Military Strategy and Siege : Underground Infiltration & Victory

8. Execution of De Brito & Nat Shin Naung …

9. Treatment of Portuguese Captives
King Anaukphetlun initially ordered execution but later granted clemency, …

10. Preservation of Buddhism & Religious Tolerance …

With De Brito’s fall in 1613, Portuguese dominance ended, but Myanmar kings continued to uphold religious tolerance, allowing non-Buddhist faiths to practice freely.

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9. Buddhism in Early Konbaung Period

9. Explain how did king Bodawpaya settle a century long issue of the Vinaya of robe wearing style.

Introduction:

1. Robe Wearing Style – The dispute over the wearing of robes has existed between two sects of monks for over a hundred years: Pārupana (Ayon Gaing), who covered both shoulders, and Ekaṃsika (Atin Gaing), who left one shoulder uncovered.
2. Monastic Division – The dispute began during the reign of Sanay Min (1698-1714), with monks divided into two groups: the orthodox pārupana (two-shoulder covering) and the reformist ekaṃsika (one-shoulder covering).
3. Long-standing Dispute – This issue remained unresolved due to differing interpretations of the Vinaya.
4. King Bodawpaya’s Background – Before ascending the throne, Bodawpaya had been a monk for many years, making him well-versed in the Vinaya, which influenced his decision.
5. Royal Intervention – Unlike previous kings who avoided involvement in religious disputes, Bodawpaya took decisive action to resolve this matter.
6. Consultation with Sangha – The king first consulted senior and respected monks to ensure his decision aligned with Buddhist teachings.
7. Royal Order – Bodawpaya issued an official royal decree mandating that all monks must follow the pārupana practice, requiring both shoulders to be covered when outside the monastery.
8. Formation of the Thudhamma Council – To enforce this decision, the king established a council of senior monks known as Thudhamma Sayadaws, who were responsible for overseeing Vinaya discipline.
9. Strict Enforcement – Monks who refused to comply with the pārupana practice faced strict consequences, including the risk of being defrocked and exiled.
10. Unification of the Sangha – By enforcing a single robe-wearing standard, Bodawpaya effectively unified the monastic order under one sect, eliminating further disputes.
11. Lasting Impact – This edict remained in effect long after the Bodawpaya’s reign, and solidified the practice of pārupana as the standard form of robe wearing in Myanmar Theravāda Buddhism.

This decision played a crucial role in stabilizing the Buddhist monastic order in early Konbaung period in Myanmar.

Conclusion:

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10. Buddhism in Late Konbaung Period

10. The reform movement led by four prominent monks during the Colonial Period in Myanmar.

1. Reform Movement Emergence: The reform movement during King Mindon’s time was led by four prominent monks: Oak Hpo Sayadaw, Hnget Twin Sayadaw, Shwegyin Sayadaw, and Thingaza Sayadaw.
2. British Colonial Influence: British colonial rule in lower Myanmar led to a sense of neglect among the laity and Sangha, who felt that the British, being non-Buddhist, disregarded their religious needs and promoted Christianity and English culture.
3. Role of King Mindon: Despite British rule, people in lower Myanmar still recognized the Myanmar king as their sovereign and the Sangharaja at Mandalay as their ecclesiastical authority. Many bhikkhus looked to King Mindon for support.
4. Migration to Upper Myanmar: As a result of the colonial rule, many bhikkhus migrated to upper Myanmar to receive royal patronage and pursue their learning. This migration sparked the reform movement to retain bhikkhus in lower Myanmar.
5. Oak Hpo Sayadaw’s Influence: Oak Hpo Sayadaw opposed the migration of bhikkhus to upper Myanmar. He emphasized the importance of observing the Vinaya rules strictly, suggesting that no secular authority was needed if bhikkhus followed Buddhist teachings and lived a life of meditation.
6. Oak Hpo Sayadaw’s Challenge: Oak Hpo Sayadaw challenged the authority of the Thudhamma council, arguing that the focus should be on the essential practices of Buddhism, like meditation and the teachings of the Buddha, rather than on ceremonial rituals.
7. Hnget Twin Sayadaw’s Radical Views: Hnget Twin Sayadaw was a forest monk who argued against traditional Buddhist practices like offerings of food, flowers, and lights to shrines and pagodas. He advocated for meditation as the central practice and even proposed that it should be a prerequisite for ordination.
8. Hnget Twin Sayadaw’s Emphasis on Meditation: Hnget Twin Sayadaw argued that meditation (Vipassana) was more important than scholarly learning (Pariyatti), a view that was met with resistance from traditionalist monks and lay devotees.
9. Non-Sectarian Approach: Despite their reformist views, both Oak Hpo Sayadaw and Hnget Twin Sayadaw did not attempt to break away from the established Thudhamma sect, maintaining unity within the Sangha and not causing disunity.
10. Shwegyin Sayadaw’s Focus on Vinaya: Shwegyin Sayadaw also sought to return the Sangha to the practice of observing the Vinaya, including prohibiting his monks from chewing betel or tobacco after noon. He believed that following the Vinaya code eliminated the need for external authority.
11. Thingaza Sayadaw’s Purist View: Thingaza Sayadaw was a popular preacher known for his humorous and engaging teaching style. He advocated for a return to the essence of Buddhism, emphasizing the importance of practicing the Vinaya and avoiding excessive scholarship.
12. Thingaza Sayadaw’s Forest Retreats: Though a member of the Thudhamma council, Thingaza Sayadaw spent most of his time in forest recluses. He did not seek to establish a new sect but remained committed to the traditional Sangha structure while focusing on the core practices of Buddhism.

These monks played a significant role in advocating for a return to the fundamental practices of Buddhism during a time of significant political and social change in Myanmar.

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11. Add short notes to the following:

• The 5^th Buddhist council (The longest marble book (or) World’s Biggest Book)
• King Mindon’s New Hti on Shwedagon Pagoda
• A great marble Buddha Image

 

1. The 5th Buddhist Council (The World’s Biggest Book)

• Held in Mandalay from 1868 to 1871 under the patronage of King Mindon.

• Learned bhikkhus from Myanmar and abroad recited and purified the Tipiṭaka texts.

• The edited Tipiṭaka was inscribed on Sagyin marble slabs.

• Total of 729 marble slabs: 111 Vinaya, 410 Sutta, and 208 Abhidhamma.

• The slabs were arranged at Maha Loka Marazein Pagoda.

• Known as the “World’s Biggest Book”.

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2. A New Hti on Shwedagon Pagoda

• King Mindon donated a new hti (umbrella crown) to Shwedagon Pagoda.

• The old hti had decayed due to age and weather conditions.

• British authorities did not allow the king to personally install the hti.

• Myanmar Buddhists in Lower Myanmar placed the hti on the Pagoda.

• The event revived Theravada Buddhism in Lower Myanmar.

• It increased the king’s prestige as a devoted Buddhist ruler.

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3. A Great Marble Buddha Image

• A colossal marble Buddha image was built by King Mindon.

• Carved from a single marble block from Sagyin Hills.

• Popularly known as Kyauk Taw Gyi Buddha Temple.

• Officially titled Maha Thet Kya Marazein.

• About 10,000 devotees helped transport the marble stone.

• Consecrated by King Mindon on 16 May 1865.