THE DISCIPLINE (VINAYA) AS THE BASE OF SPIRITUAL PURIFICATION WITH REFERENCE TO BUDDHIST VINAYA PROMULGATION: AN ANALYTICAL STUDY

Abstract

Today, in the context of social turmoil, step-by-step transformation is compatible with the development and rhythm of civilisation. Buddhism is considered to be the “present truth” of which the core and foundation are Ethics and Precepts. Any organisation that wants existence and development for a long time must have the rule to comply. If the society wants to be in a peaceful and prosperous state, it has to establish some rules and regulations. In Buddhism too, if the order of the Sangha needs to be long-lasting and prosperous, it is indispensable to lack rules. The rules in Buddhism were called Vinaya. Practicing Buddhist precepts is a way of life that brings peace and happiness to the followers. It highlights man's paramount importance and proves that man is capable of achieving the ultimate moral value (liberation) if he has enough will and self-effort. By practicing the right precepts established by the Buddha, one could eliminate the defilements: greed (lobha), hatred (dosa), and delusion (moha) that lead the beings to attain well-being and finally be free from cosmic suffering. Vinaya helps practitioners to self-regulate their behaviours, words, and thoughts, in order to establish the structure of a virtuous life, which is the basic requirement of purification of the human mind. Vinaya contains the morals that provide its followers the foundation for liberation from suffering by cutting off all kinds of defilements. Therefore, the precepts play a very important role in the practice of liberation. Just as the great ocean has only one taste- the taste of salt, this Dharma-Vinaya too has only one taste- the taste of emancipation. With the data collected from the primary and secondary sources along with explanations and proof, this study aimed to clarify the practice of Buddhist precepts as the base to purify the mind, with reference to the Buddhist Vinaya promulgation.