The Monastic Honorary Ranks System: Benefits and Problems

Abstract

The monastic honorary ranks system is beneficial as it gives recognition and encouragement to the monks who perform good deeds for Buddhism and the country. However, there are both advantages as well as problems generated from people involved in the system, as well as from different people holding different views on this system. At any rate, even though it cannot be completely confirmed or proved, it is reasonable to conclude that at least the monastic honorary ranks system holds more advantages than disadvantages. The author argues that this system can be rectified and improved, as their problems are not so serious that the whole system should be eliminated. Methods of improvement should and could be developed. Important methods of the system’s rectification could be the followings. First, to propose an amendment of the process of the screening of monks for monastic honorary ranks by implementing a collective effort of both monks and lay people in order to prevent monks from soliciting unfair favors. Second, to initiate a reform of qualification criteria for the monastic honorary ranks which could be made more inclusive and more balanced by providing a chance to the monks who deliver good performance in other fields like education and public development though they may not possess any administrative ranks. Third, to provide training for monks to cultivate more appropriate values. Fourth, to implement a more systematic control and check of behaviors and works of the monks with monastic honorary ranks.