Buddhism in Early Konbaung Period

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: