Present Guideline to Niggahakamma: Leaving Monkhood

Abstract

Abstract

This academic paper entitled ‘Present Guideline to Niggahakamma: Leaving Monk-hood’ describes the problems and guideline to amend Section 29 and 30 of The Sangha Act B.E. 2505 regarding leaving monkhood.  According to Section 29, leaving monkhood depends only on the officer’s discretionary power.  If the discretion is biased, it can easily bring trouble to The Sangha.  According to Section 30, if detained during the trial and the Court proceeding, monk is required to leave monkhood.  The writer believes the word ‘leaving monkhood’ should be deleted.  Detention during the trial should be arranged at an appropriate place for controlling the monks.  During the Court proceeding, monk should change to a suitable outfit instead of wearing rope which is the symbol of monk to avoid tarnishing the Buddhism.  Therefore, Buddhism and State must seriously find a mutual solution by applying the Buddhist discipline as a basis in order to bring peace to the Sanga and maintain the Buddhism