International Journal of Engineering and Advanced Technology (IJEAT)

ISSN: 2249 – 8958, Volume-8, Issue-5S3 July 2019

Buddhist Priyatti Education Systems in

Myanmar
Khemacara, Kumar Gautam Anand, Gurmet Dorjey

 In pāli texts, the meaningful of Dhura can be reasonably

Abstract: “As regards Buddhist Priyatti education system in translated as “duty” or “obligation”. There are some monks
Myanmar, since the 17th century, the PāliPathamapyan exam who work for Pariyattidhura while there are some others who
have always been conducted by the government and practice meditation. There are also some monks who teach or
consequently been known as government examinations. Also
learn the Dhamma while they are practicing meditation. In
considered are various formal examination boards and their
curricula, such as the Sakyasīha, Cetiyaṅgaṇa, ant the Myanmar, the young monks and novices move from place to
Sāmaṇekyaw introduced by non-governmental Buddhist place as long as they are still learning as try on Priyattidhura.
organizations during the 19th century; the stat eDhammācariya When they become teachers, they usually live at one
examinations, introduced by the government in 1946, and the monastery where they teach their students. Usually,
first Tipiṭaka selection examination provided in 1948.Now a day, Pariyattimonasteries exist in urban areas.
not only developed government Priyatti education systems, but
also developed non-government Priyatti education and Buddhist
II. PRIYATTIMONASTERIES ENTRANCES
University in Myanmar.
Theaim of this paper will approach four stapeses of study; the Most monks and novices at Pariyatti monasteries are
first one is that how to learn and way of life of monks and originally from villages. They started their Pariyatti
novices in Myanmar Priyatti monasteries; the second will be education in village monasteries and when they are ready for
explorationthe government Priyatti education systems; the third
the higher studies, they go to the urban Pariyatti
will mentionnon-government educations; and the last onewill
discover the condition of Priyatti Buddhist University in modern monasteries.In Myanmar, the administration procedure at
Myanmar and record the attitude of monastic communities by Pariyatti monasteries varies. Some monasteries have strict
doing questionnaires survey.” regulations while others are more flexible. The admission
procedure at the Pariyatti monasteries in ancient time and at
Keywords : Pathamabyan, Dhammācariya, Nikāya, present time is almost the same. Most monasteries give the
Tipitakdhara selections, Sakyasiha, Samaṇekyaw, admission to new students every year before Vassavasa-the
PriyattiBuddhist Universities.
rainy retreat. Usually, village monk teachers make the
request to the chief monk of the urban Pariyatti monastery.
I. INTRODUCTION
Village teachers have to teach their students basic lessons
The duties of monkshood consist of Pariyatti and Patipatti. such as reading, writing, etc. Young children in villages,
Pariyatti contains learning and teaching the Dhamma, while about at the age of ten to twelve, usually are sent to the village
Patipatti is approaching the practice in accordance with the monasteries where they start learning basic lessons. As
Dhamma. Patipatti involves practicing the Dhamma. It is mentioned above, there are some parents who sent their
about meditation which is of mainly two kinds - Samatha children to primary schools. If a child goes to primary school
meditation and Vipassanā meditation. Samatha meditation is first and then only is sent to the monastery, he is about ten or
the practice mainly to develop one’s concentration which can eleven years old at that time. In this case, when he is admitted
calm down the turmoil of the mental defilements (Kilesā). at the village monastery, he has already had the reading and
This kind of meditation can produce the results of Jhāna that writing and mathematics skills. At the village monastery, he
are high levels of concentration. Vipassanā meditation is the starts his basic Pāli lessons such as grammar and some
practice mainly to develop understanding about the discourses in Pāḷi. The teachers usually teach their students
Dhamma. It is usually translated as insight meditation. The for two or three years before they send them to Pariyatti
meditator learns to observe his body and mind objectively. monasteries in towns and cities. Therefore, the average age
This way, he sees the true nature of body and mind and this of the students admitted in the Pariyatti monasteries is
knowledge finally leads to the realization of the truths. between 11 and 15. There are a few exceptional cases where
(Suttanipāta Aṭṭhakathā, Vol-1, p, 193) young monks are also admitted at the Pariyatti monasteries.
Sometimes, young men who have completed university
graduation are attracted by the teaching and decided to
Revised Manuscript Received on July 22, 2019.
Khemacara, Research Scholar, Sharda University, Noida (Uttar Pradesh), become monks.
India.
Dr. Kumar Gautam Anand, Assistant Professor, Sharda University,
Noida (Uttar Pradesh), India.
Dr. Gurmet Dorjey, Assistant Professor, Gautam Buddha University,
Noida, (Uttar Pradesh), India.

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DOI:10.35940/ijeat.E1077.0785S319 353 & Sciences Publication
 Buddhist Priyatti Education Systems in Myanmar

They are mostly welcome at Pariyatti monasteries since Mandalay is quite big. But it has too many students who want
they have strong basic for learning. Usually, they learn faster to live and learn Pariyatti there for the monastery has a good
than the younger ones from villages. reputation for its Pariyatti lessons. Sometimes New Ma Soe
Yein Monastery accommodates over three thousand monks.
New students usually bring their requisites with them. The monks only get a three or four feet wide space where they
They bring a trunk where they keep their personal eat, sleep and study the lessons. In some buildings, there can
belongings. They bring a mat, a pillow, a blanket, a mosquito be over one hundred monks. Sometimes, new students can’t
net, some robes, mugs, a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, a get the accommodation there although they are admitted to
towel, and some books and notebooks, etc. When they come live at the monastery. They have to live under trees and wait
to the Pariyatti monasteries, their parents and village for the time when someone leaves the monastery for another
teachers come with them since they want to show their place. If it is raining, they just sit inside the buildings or share
respect and seriousness about the young students. Young a space with their friends.
students also must have a bowl which they use when they go Another monastery to compare with New Ma Soe Yein
for alms-round to the devotee local areas. monastery is Shwe Hin Tha monastery in Sagaing. The
There is no entrance test for the admission. However, the monastery campus is about sixteen acres wide and there are
teachers at the Pariyatti monasteries observe the new more than twenty buildings. And the monastery
student’s appearance and behaviors. They can see and judge accommodates just a little more than a hundred monks and
the student’s potential and attitude just by seeing them novices. The monastery has a lot of space for each student.
making movements and talking. However, there is usually a Some senior monks even have their own room where they
good relation between the teachers at the Pariyatti can have privacy for their studies and stays. There are some
monasteries in towns and those from villages. This relation is two storey buildings at this monastery where only two or
all that require for the admittance of the new students. three monks dwell. It means that Shwe Hin Tha monastery
In some Pariyatti monasteries, the new students have to has more buildings than the average requirement for monks.
find approval from some monks at the monasteries. The chief In many monasteries, teachers have the entire floor if the
of the Pariyatti monastery give the new student the building is two or three storey. The space is used for lectures
provisional admission. But the admission is confirmed only and for public reception. Students from different buildings,
when the student gets the approval from one of the teachers sometimes from different monasteries come to a particular
and one of the students who are the residents of the teacher for lessons. Teachers usually have at least three
monastery. This approval has more meaning in it. Those who lectures every day and they have their day-off four days a
provide the approval for the new students are responsible for month on the Sabbath Days.
the behavior of the latter. If the student who they give their Daily routine in Prityattimonasteries
approval misbehaves, they have to share half of the PriyattiMonasteries start their day at 4:00 or 4:30 o’clock
punishment that is given to the new student. For example, if in the morning. They have a way to give a wake-up call to the
the new student sneaks out of the monastery at night and he is students. Many monasteries use wooden drums to call for the
to clean the water 20 plants in the monastery yard as the attentions of all the resident monks and novices. Some
punishment, they also have to water 10 plants each. So, they monasteries strike the drum twenty-four times for the wake-
must watch the student who they give approval, and they up calls. The number twenty-four represents twenty-four
have to warn him accordingly. However, it is not usually conditions taught by the Buddha in Paṭṭhāna, one of the texts
difficult to find someone who is willing to take such of Abhidhamma. This number is probably used since it is
responsibility since they had to go through the same quite enough to wake the resident monks up. Everyone gets
procedure when they themselves are new comers. This up, keeps their beds, washes their face and gather at the
procedure becomes so accustomed to the resident monks and shrine hall for the morning-prayer which, in Buddhist term,
they don’t feel heavy for this responsibility. And the is paying homage to the Triple Gems - the Buddha, the
punishments are just to work for the monastery: such as Dhamma, and the Saṃgha. They chant Paritta that is a
cleaning the yard, watering the plants, changing the flowers collection of some selected discourses and have some time to
in the shrine room or cutting firewood, etc. Everyone is meditate. The type of meditation practice in early morning is
happy to do such tasks even at normal time since they know usually Mettābhāvanā, loving-kindness meditation. The
they are doing wholesome works anyway. monks make good wishes for all beings. They make special
good wishes for the people around the city to who they are
III. ACCOMMODATION IN PARIYATTIMONASTERIES going to see for the day.
When the student gets the admission, he is given a place to Breakfast is served at dawn. In ancient time, when there
live. There are usually quite a few buildings at every Pariyatti was no clock, the color of the sky in the east shows the time.
monasteries. Some big Pariyatti monasteries have big When the sky in the east turns red, before the sun rises,
buildings that can be two to three stories. There is a teacher monks have breakfast. At some monasteries, there are
who lives at that building and he is the one who is fully laypeople who cook breakfasts for the monks. In most
responsible for the students at his building. monasteries, novices take this
The monastery like New Ma Soe YeinPriyattiMonastery in responsibility. A typical breakfast
consists of rice that the monks eat

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DOI:10.35940/ijeat.E1077.0785S319 354 & Sciences Publication
 International Journal of Engineering and Advanced Technology (IJEAT)
ISSN: 2249 – 8958, Volume-8, Issue-5S3 July 2019

with beans and vegetable soup or fish-paste. At some of the new month, the full moon day, the eighth day after the
monasteries, monks eat meals in their bowls. and at some full moon day and the moonless day. At some monasteries,
others, they use plates. It depends on the numbers of the monks shave their heads on the eve of the Sabbath days. it is
monks. At the monasteries that accommodate many monks not necessary for the monks, according to the Vinaya rules, to
prefer to use bowls for the monks can clean their bowls sheave so regularly. But teachers consider that uniformity is
themselves. In small monasteries, they use plates for they preferable. So, at most monasteries, especially the
don’t need many plates and the washing-up is quite easy. monasteries that belong to Shwe Kyin Sect, all monks shave
Sometimes, people come to offer monks meals - breakfast on the same day.
and lunch. When they offer breakfast, they stay at the Lunch is at half past ten and monks are informed of the
monastery and cook the food. There are buildings for guests. lunch time with the sound of a wooden drum. This is
There are some monasteries like New Ma Soe Yein common at the monasteries where monks eat at the same
monastery where it is quite a big work to offer meals to the place at the same time. There are some monasteries, where
resident monks. There the monks eat their breakfast when monks have their meals separately at their convenient time.
they come back from alms-round. In this case, the lunch time telling is not necessary. If monks
Just after breakfast time, the monks usually go for have meals together, the monastery has a separate place.
alms-round. At some education monasteries, monks go They may share the food they receive from alms-round or
alms-round in groups. The most senior monk in a group leads there are some laypeople prepare food for them. Junior
the other monks who walk behind him in a queue. They go monks and novices usually finish their meals before the
around some parts of the city along the usual route, stopping teachers finish. In fact, the teachers wait until the students
when they see people are waiting for them with some food to finish their meals. Breakfast and lunch tables are, for the
offer. At Shwe Hin Tha Monastery in Sagaing, three groups teachers in administration of the monasteries, the meeting
of monks go to different parts of the city. Each group has where they have discussions about the Dhamma or the
about twenty-five to thirty monks. They mostly get rice. They monasteries.
don’t usually get much curry for there are many monks in After lunch, they have their private time to rest. Some
Saging. People can’t afford to offer curry for the monks every monks take a nap from twelve o’clock till a quarter to one.
day. However, the monastery has some deposit money in the Novices and young monks prefer to do something instead of
bank. The interest from the saving is used to cook curry for taking a nap. However, they must be doing things quietly in
the monks at the monastery. People occasionally add their order not to disturb the ones who are resting.
donations to the saving account so that monks may not need Afternoon lessons start at one o’clock and again at three
to worry about the food or some other necessities at the o’clock. From two to three, students have their private
monastery. There are also people who come to the monastery study-hour. At four o’clock, monks finish day-time lessons
on special days for them and offer meals. They make and from four to five they study on their own.
donations at the monasteries on the day when parents send From five to six, they do the monastery works such as
their sons to get monks’ ordination, on their birthdays, cleaning the yard and the buildings, gardening, watering the
anniversaries, or the day when their parents pass-away. plants, cutting fire wood, or attending to the teachers. Most
When they come back from alms-round, they may have education monasteries have big and clean campuses. Some
some time to take a rest and prepare for the lessons. Lessons monasteries are very green too. Monks do not usually cut
usually start at nine o’clock. Lessons are one hour long. The down big trees especially the ones that have already been
time for the lessons is announced by the sound of wooden there before they establish a new monastery. Monks believe
drums. When the students heard the sound, they go to the that there can be guardian deities of the trees and cutting the
place where the lessons will be conducted. At monasteries in trees down mean destruction of their places. But there are
Myanmar, lessons are given at the buildings where teacher some times when they need to build a new building for the
monks dwell. There aren’t any separate buildings for lessons. monks. In this case, they request the guardian deities of the
The teachers’ places serve as the classrooms. The students trees to offer the place for the development of Sāsanā and
carry the texts and notebooks they need for the specific request the guardian deities of the four directions to give the
lesson. They approach the teachers respectfully. They sit on tree deities new places to dwell. They believe that tree deities
the floor before the teacher who sits on a chair. Some teachers have to obey the guardian deities of the four directions.
use blackboards or whiteboards. For some lessons, written At present, the focus will be on the life of the monks in
explanations are not necessary. Pariyatti monasteries inthe location of urban areas. From six
After the lessons, they have self-study hour until ten to half past six, the monks in Pariyatti Monasteries have free
o’clock. At some monasteries, students study at their place. time. However, they do not usually go out to the city. They
They may sometimes sit under the trees around the building remain at their monastery going for walks around the campus
they live. There are also some monasteries where student or visiting their friends at another building.
gather at a big hall to study. A senior monk or a teacher
watches them while they are studying.
From ten to half past ten, monks take a bath, wash their
clothes and shave their head. Most of Novices and Monks
shave their heads on Sabbath days that fall on the eighth day

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DOI:10.35940/ijeat.E1077.0785S319 355 & Sciences Publication
 Buddhist Priyatti Education Systems in Myanmar

At half past six, monks gather at the prayer hall and pay governmental examination and private examination. The
homage to the Triple Gems, chant Paritta, listen to the examinations are held yearly. Pāli Pathamabyan
Dhamma talk, receive some admonition from the chief monk examinations, Dhammācariya examinations, Nikāya
or one of the teachers, and meditate a few minutes. After examinations and Tipitak selection examinations are
prayer, they recite their lessons by heart for an hour and then organized by the Ministry of Religious Affairs know as
they do their homework. Learning the Dhamma by heart has governmental examinations.
been the tradition which goes back up to the time of the PāliPathamabyan examinations have four levels. There are
Buddha. as follows:
There were many monks who memorized the Dhamma as 1. AahkyapyuMula,
taught by the Buddha. Venerable Ānanda was known to be 2. PathamNge,
the best one who had the best memory. He knew all the 3. PathamaLat, and
teachings of the Buddha by heart. The people of that time did 4. PathamaGyi.
not have a habit of learning things through texts. They can be translated conveniently as beginner,
Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced levels. There are
They learnt everything by heart. And they taught their some years, in the history of Pathamabyan examinations,
students orally and the latter learnt by heart. Monks recite the when Beginner (AahkyapyuMula) level is added in the
lessons at night before they go to bed for it was the best time examinations.
for memorizing things. An average student can study five to The lessons are basic foundation of the three Tipiṭaka.
ten or even more stanzas during day time. He will be checked Monks also have to learn Pāli writing and
by a teacher at the end of the day. He tries to recall the lessons stanza-composition. Grammar subject is also studied for
he has learnt during the day at night. If he doesn’t remember monks believe that without the knowledge of grammar,
the lessons thoroughly, he has to polish it again next day. students will not be able to master the language and
Adding to that he also has to learn more lessons by heart. consequently they will not understand the true meaning of
This way, day after day, he accumulates more and more lines the teachings in Tipiṭaka. A grammatical text called
or stanzas in the texts in his memory. One day, in the future, Kaccāyana is recommended for the examinations. Another
he may even become a Tipiṭakadhara, a treasurer of the elaborate text related to it is Padarūpasiddhi. Further, for the
Tipiṭaka. foundation of Abhidhamma study, monks learn
By the time, when Vassavāsa is over, students have Abhidhammatthasaṅgaha. This text is composed with nine
enough knowledge in their memory to learn Abhidhamma chapters. For the elementary level, monks’ study five
night-lessons. Usually night-lessons begin in November. chapters - Citta, Cetasika, Pakiṇṇaka, Rūpa, and Samuccaya.
Night-lessons are the lessons on Abhidhamma and Pāli The knowledge they have after learning these chapters
grammar subjects. Abhidhamma subjects include enable them to follow Abhidhamma night-lessons. For the
Tikamātikā, Dhātukathā, Yamaka, and Paṭṭhāna lessons. students of elementary level, Bhikkhupāṭimokkha is
During Vassavāsa, monks learn Abhidhammatthasaṅgaha. recommended. Bhikkhunipāṭimokkha is learnt in
They learn Abhidhamma in analytical methods. They have to intermediate level. These two texts are studied along with the
learn some analytical points on Abhidhamma by heart. commentaries on them - Kaṅkhāvitaraṇīaṭṭhakathā.
Night-lessons are conducted based on the knowledge that the
monks have acquired through the Abhidhammatthasaṅgaha The subjects taught in night-lessons (Nyawar) from one
lessons. The lessons are conducted in dark. Students do not subject in the examinations. Another subject is Myanmar
bring any text books since their learning is entirely based on literature. Myanmar translations of Jātaka stories are
their memory. The teachers explain the methods, students try recommended for these levels. In Pathamalat level, Alaṇkāra
to follow the teachers’ explanations, and they recites and Chandodaya texts are also recommended. These texts
Abhidhamma teachings using the methods. After the lessons, help students to have the knowledge of Pāḷi composition. For
some students study the subject in groups or some Pathamalat and Pathamagyi, Abhidhānappadīpikā, a Pāḷi
individually. dictionary has to be learnt by heart. Students memorize the
All monks go to bed at ten o’clock. They usually have six stanzas in the texts. Examinations are meant to test the
hours at night and one hour during the day to sleep. Monks students' memory and understanding of the recommended
usually have their day-off four days a month, on Sabbath texts. (http://www.dra.gov.mm/?page_id=351accessed on
days. Some monasteries also give half day off on the eve of 10/07/2019)
the Sabbath day. On their day-offs, monks shave their heads, Dhammācariya examinations recommend three texts for
wash their clothes, clean the monastery buildings and yard, the students. Pārājikaṇda-aṭṭhakathā is a commentary on the
and some young monks may go visit other monasteries or four Pārārjika rules of Vinaya. Sīlakkhandha Pāḷi and its
pagodas. aṭṭhakathā represent SuttaPiṭaka. DhammasaṅghanīPāḷi, the
first book of Abhidhamma, and Aṭṭhasā1inī represent
IV. PARIYATTIEXAMINATION SYSTEMS AbhidhammaPiṭaka.
The are many Buddhist examinations in Myanmar. It can
be classified two types of Buddhistexaminations which are

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DOI:10.35940/ijeat.E1077.0785S319 356 & Sciences Publication
 International Journal of Engineering and Advanced Technology (IJEAT)
ISSN: 2249 – 8958, Volume-8, Issue-5S3 July 2019

Each subject requires two papers questions that monks Another examinations is calledNikāya exams. To be skill
have to answer in two days continuously. Monks may either in Nikaya, Dhammacariya examinations were invented,
take all the three subjects in one year, or if they like, they can prescribed and held starting from Myanmar Era 1382 (1940).
do two or even one separately. The subject they pass is Not only three Commentaries of Parājika, Silakkhandha and
recorded and when they have passed all three subjects, they DhammasanganiPāli and the Aṭṭhakatha of above
are offered Sāsanadhaja-dhammācariya title and a degree. Commentaries as three original Commentaries but also the
The name of this title suggests that the monks who have remaining Pāli-Atthakatha Commentaries as Seven honored
received it are the teachers of the Dhamma. They are Commentaries Spreading 5 Nikāya were prescribed for the
considered qualify to teach the Dhamma to the students or to above lecturer-examinations. But the students endeavor to
lay devotees. (http://www.dra.gov.mm accessed on learn only the three based commentaries, and there are
10/08/2019) almost no students who want to endeavor to learn the honor
Some monks go further in their studies. There is another commentaries. Because the persons who had passed the three
level of examination after Dhammācariya degree level. It is original Commentaries of Dhammacariya lecturer level have
called Gon-htu-dan. It can be literally translated as ability to study and understand Pāli, Aṭṭhakatha and Tika
“Distinction”. This examination is divided into two sections - Commentaries, have to learn Nikāya Commentaries in order
Myanmar Gon-htu-dan and PāliGon-htu-dan. The other to spread out. Because at the time of decreasing faith and
texts in Tipiṭaka are recommended for this examination. The effort, there is almost no one who studied and learned Nikāya
students who take Myanmar Gon-htu-dan study the meaning Commentaries, the latter became dead Commentaries. They
and translation of the recommended texts and they can give arrived at the condition of the time when they were stored in
their answers in Myanmar language. For Pāḷi Gon-htu-dan, the bureaus and cupboard only for show. Because the essence
monks have to give the answers in Pāḷi. of Dhamma described in Nikāya commentaries were not
known, the practice of Pariyatti meditations became
When they pass one of the examinations, they are offered decreased.
Sāsanadhaja-sirīpavara-dhammācariya and Saāsanadhaji Therefore, the Supreme heads of presiding Monks
Dhamācariya-Pālipāragu tittles, degrees. invented and prescribed the selection examination of
Further, in the word very famous and very difficult Tipitakadhara and held it starting in 1949. As reciting is
religious examinations is Tipitaka selection exams. The based to answer these examinations, only bright Novice and
Buddha Sasananuggaha Committee headed by the wealthy Monks of great wisdom can answer above examinations and
Sir U Thwin submitted to the State to carry out the task of most of Persons and Monks cannot answer these.
propagating Sasana successfully at Myanmar Country by The Venerable presiding Monks of State
celebrating convening of the Sixth Buddhist Synod with in SaṃghamaMahāNāyaka Committee who have observed and
Buddhist era 2500. Therefore, the State coordinated with considered that conditions, intending the Novice and Monks
other Theravada Buddhist countries for convening the Sixth together with persons learn, understand and practice, the
Buddhist Synod. Because the other Theravada five countries essence of the teaching of Buddha, agreed that written
asked the State whether there was the Three Pitaka reciter in examination of 5-NikāyaPitakaPāli should be held so that all
Myanmar country, The Buddha Sasananuggaha Committee Novice and Monks together with persons can learn the
intended towards the appearance of Tipitaka reciter, Teachings of Buddha at the Fourth meeting attended by
Sasana-hero and Tipitakadhara selection committee was whole 47-members of State SaṃghaMahāNāyaka
formed. Then, TipitakadharaTipitakakovidha examination Committee. The Nikāya examinations were held starting
was held starting from Myanmar Era 1310(1948). from 1992 and promoted helding Mahavidua Examinations
To be degree holder of Tipitakadhara Tipitakakovidha, starting from 2000. Not only Monks, Novices, Nuns but also
any one must pass five levels of reciting answer and five Persons who have been (12) years old at the first day of
levels of idea by writing answer. The answerers must be only examination have the right to answer the examinations.
monks and novices who passed any one examination of The following degrees and emblems are offered according
Pathamagyi or Vinayavidu level or Third level of to the respective Commentaries at Dhammācariya
Thamaṇekyaw or Lecturer level of Cetiyangana and convocation, yearly:
Sakyasiha. (a) Vidu Standard
The examination of reciting answer and 1. Group (1) Vinaya vidu
ideology-examination of writing answer are held from last 2. Group (2) Dhiga Nikāya vidu
week of December to third week of January for 33 days. Every 3. Group (3) Majjhima Nikāya vidu
year at the second week of May, great auspicious celebration
4. Group (4) Samyutta Nikāya vidu
of offering honorable degree is held. Up to day, 13 Venerable
5. Group (5) Anguttara Nikāya vidu
Monks who got honorable Degree of Tipitakadhara,
Tipitakakovidha and 8 venerable monks who got honorable 6. Group (6) Khuddaka Nikāya vidu (1)
Degree of Tipitakadhara appeared. 5-years after receiving 7. Group (7) Khuddaka Nikāya vidu (2)
TipitakadharaTipitakakovida Degree, State offers him 8. Group (8) Abhidhamma
TipitakadharaDhammabhandagarika vidu (1)
Degree.(http://www.dra.gov.mm accessed on 10/08/2019)

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DOI:10.35940/ijeat.E1077.0785S319 357 & Sciences Publication
 Buddhist Priyatti Education Systems in Myanmar

9. Group (9) Abhidhamama vidu (2) 2. Anguttaranikāya: Ekakanipāta to Chakkanipāta.

(b) Maha-Vidu Standard 3. DhammapadaPāli and Aṭṃhakathā: Yamakavagga to
1. Group (1) Vinaya Maha Vidu Daṇḍavagga.
2. Group (2) Digha Nikāya Maha vidu 4. Kaccāyana’s grammar: the first six chapters i.e. Sandhi,
3. Group (3) Majjhima Nikāya Maha vidu Nāma, Kāraka, Samāsa, Taddhita and Ākhyāta.
4. Group (4) Samyutta Nikāya Maha vidu 5. Abhidhammatthasaṅgaha: the first five chapters i.e.
5. Group (5) Anguttara Nikāya Maha vidu Citta, Cetasika, Pakiṇṇaka, Vīthi and Vīthimutta.
6. Group (6) Khuddaka Nikāya Maha vidu (1) 3. Grade Three;
7. Group (7) Khuddaka Nikāya Maha vidu (2) 1. Pārājika and PācittiyaPāli.
8. Group (8) Abhidhamma Mahā vidu (1) 2. Aṅguttaranikāya: all.
9. Group (9) Abhidhamma Mahā vidu (2) 3. DhammapadaPāli and Aṭṭhakathā: all.
(http://www.dra.gov.mm/?page_id=351accessed on 4. Kaccāyana’s grammar: all.
15/08/2019) 5. Abhidhammatthasaṅgaha: all.
Non-governmentPariyatti Examinations Since its first Sāmaṇekyaw examination in 1950, the
Beside the governmental examinations, there are many SakyasihaSāmaṇekyaw examinations is a first of all
priyatti examinations in Myanmar. Among then, the famous Sāmaṇekyaws and offering Sāmaṇekyaw degree. Nowadays
ones are described as follows: number of Sāmaṇekyaw exams organization has increased
1. Sakyasiha examination; held in Myanmar i.e. Yangon Sāmaṇekyaw, Pagu
2. Cetiyangan examination; and Sāmaṇekyaw, Towngyi Sāmaṇnekyaw etc.
3. Samaṇekyaw examinations. Priyatti Buddhist Universities
There are Pāḷi examinations organized by religious Nowadays, most of Myanmar monk are learning the
organizations. One of the most famous examinations is education systems of Buddhist University aftergetting
SakyasihaPariyatti Examination in Mandalay city. Dhammācariya Degree or PāliPatthamabyan exams. Among
theBuddhist University, the two State PariyattiSasana
The examination is a difficult one for most students to pass Universities and the International Theravada Buddhist
since the questions touch the most difficult aspect of the texts. Missionary University are under the government. And the
Besides, there is an age limit. However, the difficulty in the others are non-government organizations. There are as
examination is a challenge for some brilliant students. When follows:
the students pass this examination, they are offered the title 1. International Theravada Buddhist Missionary
“Abhivaṃsa of SakyasihaDhammācariya”. This title University, Yangon;
represents a good reputation and great dignity among monk 2. State Pariyatti Sasana University, Yangon;
students. Young monks look up to the ones who have passed 3. State Pariyatti Sasana University, Mandalay;
Sakyasiha Dhammācariya. 4. Sitagu International Buddhist Academy, Sagaing;
Further, another famous examination is called 5. Sitagu Buddhist University, Yangon;
CetiyaṅganaPariyatti Examination in Yangon. This 6. Sitagu Buddhist University, Mandalay;
examination has almost the same good reputation as 7. Sitagu Buddhist University, Towngu;
SakyasihaPariyatti Examination. Many monks try to pass 8. Sitagu Buddhsit University, Kyunhla;
these two examinations. The reason is that 9. Shan State Buddhist University; Taunggyi;
SakyasihaPariyatti Examination is held by the organization 10. DhammadutaBuddhist University, Bago;
based in Mandalay, the largest city in Upper Myanmar and 11. Dhammaduta Chekinda University, Yangon;
the other is held by the one based in Yangon, the former 12. University of Global Peace, Patheingyi, Mandalay;
capital of Myanmar, in Lower Myanmar. 13. Buddhist University, Yangon;
Further, the Sāmaṇekyaw Examinations are for 14. Buddhist University, Mandalay,
Sāmaneras (Novices) under the age of twenty only. Like the 15. Mahāvihara Dhamma-Vinaya University;
Special Grades for Students and Teachers, the Sāmaṇekyaw 16. Ramannyarattha Buddhist University, Mowlamyine;
Examination have oral test before one is allowed to sit for the and
written examinations. The syllabuses are as follows: 17. PantapwinttaungBuddhist University, Taikkyi,
1. Grade One; Yangon.(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Buddhist_un
1. VinayaMahāvaggaPāli, iversities_and_colleges accessed on 13/09/2019)
2. Aṅguttaranikāya: Ekakanipāta to Tikanipāta In Myanmar, there are many famous Buddhist monasteries
3. DhammapadaPāli and Aṭṭhakathā from Yamakavagga in Myanmar. Theravada Buddhist Scriptures could be learnt.
to Appamādavagga. Sitagu International Buddhist Academy at Sagaing, founded
4. Kaccāyana’s grammar: four chapters i.e.Sandhi, Nāma, in 1994 by Sayadaw Ashin Nanissara. Unlike described
Kāraka and Ākhyāta. earlier Universities, the International Theravada Buddhist
5. Abhidhammatthasaṅgaha: the first three chapters i.e. Missionary University which will be inaugurated in Yangon
Citta, Cetasika and Pakiṇṅakapariccheda. on 9thDecember, 1998. It will be
2. Grade Two; a significant institution not only
1. Culavagga and Parivāra in Myanmar but also in the whole

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DOI:10.35940/ijeat.E1077.0785S319 358 & Sciences Publication
 International Journal of Engineering and Advanced Technology (IJEAT)
ISSN: 2249 – 8958, Volume-8, Issue-5S3 July 2019

world. It will be the place where international Buddhist

scholars can learn bothscriptural Study (Pariyattidura) and
(Meditation Practice (Patipattidura) at the same time. It
distinguishes for being free tuition, free mission, free lodging
and free health care to those foreign scholars.
Data Analysis on Priyattieducation systems
To analyze general ideas of the a hundred monks in
Myanmar, I have set six questions regarding the
monasticPriyattieducation systems. Of six questions related The fourth question isview onPriyatti education
to opinion of Priyatti education, the first questions is that currently.The question is“rate the current Monastic
what do you think about monkhood and monasticPriyatti Education system”. And it has five selections: (a) Good; (b)
education. It has four options: (a) Good; (b) Excellent; (c) Bad; (c) Acceptable; (d) Very good; and (e) Very good.
Bad; (d) Very bad.

What do you think about monkhood and

monastic Priyatti education?
100
0 78 22 0 0
(A) GOOD (B) EXCELLENT (C ) BAD (D) VERY BAD

Inthis first question,78% of monks give their reference In this fourth question, 47% of monks answerthe
onPriyatti education systems is “Good”, and 22% give condition of good, 33% regard as acceptable, and 20% rate
“Excellent”. that “very good”.
The second question is that which is the most important The fifth question is related the purposes of monastic
Language for the priyatti educations. priyatti education. The question is “what are the purposes of
your monastic education”. There options are: (a) Learning;
(b) Practicing; (c) Learning and practicing; (d) Maintaining;
(e) Propagations; and (f) Others.
It is asked five options:(a) Pāli; (b) Sanskrit (c) English (d)
Local Language; and (e) Others.

Regarding the fifth question, 80% of monk reply

‘Learning and Practicing’, whereas 7% answer ‘Practicing’,
Regarding the question number two, 98% of monk’s 6% of them respond their opinion as maintaining, 5% fulfill
responded that thePāli Language is important for for propagations, 2% give for Learning and 2%
monasticPriyatti educations,whereas recommended only 1% remarkthat‘other’.
English and 1%local Language.
The third question is relating to current Priyatti learning
skills. It is asked that how do you rate on the current learning
skills in monastic community. Here, four kinds of options
are: (a) Good; (b) bad; (c) Appropriate; (d) Very good; and
(e) Very bad.
Regarding the Priyatti learning skills, 76% of monks
decide on“Good”, 20 % of monks accepted by “Appropriate”
and 4% of say “Very good”. The last question is related to challenges of monastic
Priyatti education. The question is “what are the challenges
of monastic education system”. It has seven options: (a)
learning; (b) Learning method; (c) Teaching skill; (d)
Teaching method; (e) Both; (f)
None both; and (g) Others.

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DOI:10.35940/ijeat.E1077.0785S319 359 & Sciences Publication
 Buddhist Priyatti Education Systems in Myanmar

Regardingthe last question, 12%of monk input

‘Learning’, 21% select ‘Learning method’, 8% decide on
‘Teaching skill’, 16% say‘Teaching method’ and 43% record
‘Both’.
Government Priyatti examinaton systems in Myanmar

Priyatti Buddhist Universitres in Myanmar

Government Priyatti educaton systems

Non-Government Pariyatti Education in Myanmar

Published By:
Retrieval Number: E10770785S319/2019©BEIESP Blue Eyes Intelligence Engineering
DOI:10.35940/ijeat.E1077.0785S319 360 & Sciences Publication
 International Journal of Engineering and Advanced Technology (IJEAT)
ISSN: 2249 – 8958, Volume-8, Issue-5S3 July 2019

REFERENCES
[1] Buddhaghosa, Thera,Suttanipāta Aṭṭhakathā, Vol-1, (1984) Yangon:
Department of Religious Affairs Press
[2] Buddhaghosa, Thera, Dhammapad Aṭṭhakathā, Vol-1, (1984) Yangon:
Department of Religious Affairs Press
[3] Buddhaghosa, Thera,TheraAṭṭhakathā, Vol-2, (1958) Yangon:
Department of Religious Affairs Press
[4] http://www.dra.gov.mm/?page_id=351
[5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Buddhist_universities_and_colleges
[6] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Theravada_Buddhist_Mission
ary_University
[7] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_Pariyatti_Sasana_University,_Manda
lay

V. CONCLUSIONS
The communities of monastic of members- monks and
novices are performing their obligation in daily life and way
of life as a Ganthadhura- learning and teaching in
Myanmar.The field presented it and the situation of
BuddhistPriyatti education systems currently.
In conclusion, the government of union of Myanmar
provides the state Priyatti examinations and confers the titles.
The fundamental one -PāliPathambyan Examination - has
four levels. To continue their Priyatti education, students
may sit for the Dhammacariya examinations, testing their
knowledge of Tipitaka and confer-ring them the title of
Sasanadhaja Dhammācariya.There are also an Honorary
Dhannacariya examination, which the title of Sasanadhaja
Siripavara Dhammācariya and Pāli Pāragū .Whereas, the
systems of Nikāya exams also the famous one in Myanmar
whit their titles VinayVidu etc. For especially talented
candidates, there are Tipitakadhara Examinations. If he
passes all three examinations, he obtains the title of
Tipitakadhara, Tipitakakovida or Tipitakadhara
Dhammabandagarika. The successful candidates are held in
highest respect in the country. There are two State Pariyatti
Sasana Universities in Yangon and Mandalay, with both
traditional and modern systems of teaching. Alongside them,
there are also the International Theravada Buddhist
Missionary University in Yangon, Sitagu International
Buddhist Academy, Shan State Buddhist University;
Taunggy, DhammadutaBuddhist University, Bago;
Dhammaduta Chekinda University, Yangon etc.
The results from this studywill come to view that the daily
routine of monks and novices inPriyattimonasteries,
government and non-government Priyatti examinations
systems, the summaries of Buddhist Priyatti Universities
andtheattitude oncurrent BuddhistPriyatti education
systems.

Published By:
Retrieval Number: E10770785S319/2019©BEIESP Blue Eyes Intelligence Engineering
DOI:10.35940/ijeat.E1077.0785S319 361 & Sciences Publication