Improper Haunts in Vinaya Piṭaka and Thai Society at Present

Abstract

This research work entitled “Improper Haunts in Vinaya Pitaka and Thai Society at Present” is of two objectives, i.e., (1) to study haunts (Agocara) in Vinaya Pitaka, (2) to render suggestions and guidelines of right and proper practice to Thai society in the present day. The research is such a kind of documentary research focussing on various documents concerned such as Tipataka especially Vinaya Pitaka, the Vinaya commentaries, Vinayamukhu as well as other sources pertaining to the improper haunts including Sangha rules and regulations issued by the Government laws and the Council of Elders.

          The improper haunts, i.e., the places improper for monks and novices to go to and fro such as prostitutes, roaming the streets at unseemly hours, frequenting shows, indulgence in gambling, addiction to intoxicants, including association with powerful people and or bad companions. Suggestions to monks and novices are that they all have to follow the disciplines laid down by the Buddha in Vinaya Pitaka, follow the explanations prescribed by expert writers on Buddhism. They have to realize the reasons for laying down the course of Training for monks or purposes of monastic legislation, the four great authorities or principal references or citations, criteria of the Doctrine and the Disciplines. Monks have to think first of formulated fault and worldly fault, what proper or improper for monks and novices are to maintain faith and confidence of the public, for the comfort of the Order, and for the support of the discipline, all leading to the stability of Buddhism.