The objectives of the study were 1) to study   Uposathasila observance by women as depicted in Dhammapada commentary, 2) to study women’s Uposathasila observance, and 3) to analyze Uposathasila observance by women in the Dhammapada commentary.This research was a qualitative study with documentary review and data gathered from interviewing women who observed Uposathasila and data analysis from primary and secondary sources.  

            The research findings revealed that most of the women lack of clear understanding about Uposathasila observance and for more special observance with three types; Pakatiuposatha observance day in specific time, Patijagharauposatha meaning three-day observance, and  Patihariyapakkhauposatha, a regular observance. Nowadays, most of the women just observe Uposathasila four times a month on the Buddhist holy day during the rains-retreat. After the rains-retreat, a number of people who observe Uposathasila decrease and women who observe Uposathasila throughout their life are very few.

              Currently, mostly women undertake Uposathasila from a Buddhist monk in the temple which is comfortable and convenient. The regular rules set by the temple in Uposatha observance start with morning bath, dressing with white color or appropriate clothes, bringing food to offer monks in the temple, praying and announcing Uposatha day, and then observing eight precepts. In specified time, participants come to take part in doing meditation, a terraced walking, listening to sermons, performing morning and evening chanting. This is the popular way in the current society. At present, the Uposathasila observance is not strict and serious on control of physical, speech and mind without any determination on the willingness of a great aim.

                    With regard to the analysis of result in undertaking Uposathasila of women affecting one’s life, it was found that mostly they have health problems due to old age, causing uncomfortable walk, and standing, sitting and sleeping because of the uncomfortable and inconvenient condition in the temple. Women who observed the Uposathasila wish to be healthy both physical mental along with an accumulation of wholesome deeds in order to be born in the heaven after death and they also wish to embrace Buddhism if they take human form in the time of the Buddha named Sri Ariyamettriya, they wish family happy and prosperous as well. 

Download