MŪLASIKKHĀ-MŪLASIKKHĀṬĪKĀ: Translation and Anlysis

Abstract

This research article aims at presenting the core contents of Mūlasikkhā scripture composed by Mahasamithera, a Sinhalese Bhikkhu and Mūlasikkhāṭīkā composed by Sinhalese Bhikkhu named Vimalasarathera. Both scriptures contain the explanation on disciplines (Vinayapitaka) focusing on 6 topics, i.e. 1) Pārājikanidesa 2) Garukāpatti 3) Nissaggīyanidesa 4) Pācittiyanidesa 5) Pakiṇṇakanidesa 6) Vattādikaṇanidesa. Both of them had added more contents from Vinayapitaka, its commentaries, Khuddasikkhā-abhinavaṭīkā or sub-commentary for accomplishment of each rules.  The obvious values of two scriptures are seen in 7 parts; 1) Comprehension on Vinaya explaining in which the authors added necessary explanations on 4 Pārājika, 7 Sanghādisesa, 12 Nissaggīyapācittiya, 23 Pācittiya totally 45 themes among 227, 2) Value of Sangha’s unity, 3) Value of faithfulness of lay followers,  4) Value of long-lasting of Buddhism, 5) Value of manual texts for dispute solution of the Sangha, 6) Value of disciplines’ benefits, 7)  Value of Buddhist studies and teaching.