A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF TITTHIYAPARIVĀSA AND ADMISSION TO ORDINATION IN WAT PAH NANACHAT, UBON RATCHATHANI PROVINCE

Abstract

This research article seeks to analyze and compare Titthiyaparivāsa, “probation for non-Buddhists,” in the Buddhist canon with the admission to ordination at Wat Pah Nanachat through the study of texts and fieldwork. The research found that both traditions aim to screen determined non-Buddhists who believe in the Three Jewels, are qualified for ordination, and are able to adjust to the monastic lifestyle to remain in the monkhood for life. At the same time, they also provide an opportunity for those requesting ordination to study the Buddha’s teaching and to adjust to the monastic lifestyle. The main difference between the two means of ordination is that those who request ordination at Wat Pah Nanachat are usually foreigners who are not acquainted with Thai Buddhism. This admission aims to not only provide education but also to train foreigners in the lifestyle of Thai forest monks, which is simple and under the instruction of the teachers. This process therefore takes longer than Titthiyaparivāsa, depending on the time needed for each individual to learn. The complex process of admission at Wat Pah Nanachat demonstrates the application of the canonical and the Thai traditions to the present context in order that people outside of Buddhist culture who request ordination may practice living the Buddhist monastic lifestyle for the benefit of the monastic community and themselves.