A Study on Duties towards Teacher and Pupils : The governing Principle in Theravada Buddhism

Abstract

This thematic paper is of three objectives as follows: (1) to explore the principles of Ācariyavatta and Antevāsikavatta in Theravada Buddhism; (2) to investigate the condition and context of teaching based on the Ācariyavatta and Antevāsikavatta in the present Thai Sangha and (3) to seek ways to teach according to the Ācariyavatta and Antevāsikavatta principles
of the Sangha in Sukhothai Province.

The results revealed that the Ācariyavatta principle in TheravadaBuddhism is duties that Antevāsika or pupil should treat teachers, and the principle of Antevāsikavatta is the duties that teachers should treat to pupil. In addition, the new priests, they have to ask Nissaya or resources with the master, called “Antevāsika”. The condition and context of the training preached according to the principles of Ācariyavatta and Antevāsikavatta in the current Thai monks found that in addition to adhering to the disciplinedtraining with the principles of Ācariyavatta and Antevāsikavatta, the monks were also ruled under the Sangha Act and the Sangha Council of Thailand. This caused formal relationships by orders from the authority to rule the monks, thereby deprived them of relationships as teachers and students. As for the Ācariyavatta and Antevāsikavatta training guidelines of Buddhist monks in Sukhothai province, preceptors and teachers must behave in accordance with the properties of the patriarch to be a good example to Saddhivihàrika or co-resident and Antevāsika or one living with one as a pupil. In addition, the preceptors should organize the system of training of Saddhivihàrika and Antevāsika in areas such as governance, education, relief, medical care, and the creation of religious heirloorous.