Abstract
The thesis entitled ‘A Study of Uposathakamma in Theravada Buddhist Scriptures’ is of three objectives, namely 1) to study the history of Patimokkharecitation,2) to study the Buddhist discipline or Vinaya concerning Uposathakamma, 3) to analyze the value and importance ofUposatha recitation in Theravada Buddhist Scriptures.
From the research, it was found that Uposatharecitation was recognized as the heart of Buddhist ritualwhich is important for Buddhist Sangha to complete any clergy performance such as ordination.The Uposathakamma refers to the disciplinary recitation done on every biweekly which was allowed by the Buddha for unity of Sangha to perform inside the Uposatha hall. The Uposathakammaconcerns to Bhikkhus directly in various activities such as Patimokkha recitation which all Bhikkhus inside the temple must together perform regularly. For the importance of Uposatha recitation, the Buddha allowedUposathakamma recitation to unite the Sangha and established the clergy disciplines associated with Uposathakammaas a systematic principle for all Bhikkhus’ activities called as ‘Kiccādhikaraṇa.’ The Uposathakamma is important ritual of Buddhist Sangha in the clergy administration through the administrative and judicial power. It also became the method to resolve any conflictions happening in Sangha community. The conflict suspension is one of Sangha’s activities called as ‘Ñattidutiyakamma’necessary done within the Uposathakamma only.The value of Uposathakamma in Theravada Buddhist scripture was seen in aspect preserving the Buddhism for long time. At present, there are 2 importance of Uposathakamma; Vinaya or the disciplinary codes established by the Buddha himself and the traditional customs of Thai culture.
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