Sacred Specialists
The monks and nuns of the Buddhist shrines have been defined as sacred specialists like in the Hindu complex. Most of the sacred functionaries have specialized themselves in the knowledge of the Buddhist texts as well as chanting sutras. Pilgrims believe that the rites of the ritual conducted by the authorized specialist will lead them to have peace, harmony and compassion. There is hard and fast rule in Hinayan sect than Mahayan. Monks and nuns come from all the ethnic groups and castes. To train the persons to work proficiently as a functionary, sravane have trained and taught at Buddhist schools and councils. Some of the functionaries of Lumbini have obtained higher education in Buddhist studies from renowned universities of the world. The Government of Nepal and non-governmental organization have been teaching Buddhist homage to Triple Gems and Buddhist teachings at schools of Lumbini. There are professional guides of Lumbini Development Trust and in private sectors. Religious and conscious local people help to the pilgrims who come for the pilgrimage of Lumbini. Monk and nuns are the main functionaries of the Buddhist shrines.
Apart from them sravane, priest, musician, pale, gardeners and barbers are also involved in the premises of the shrine. Ancient Mayadevi temple was known as Rummendei (goddess), where the traditional priest was appointed to conduct daily performances. After the excavation of Lumbini complex, the temple, Aśoka pillar and structural remains of vihars had been exposed. First of all Jayasri Mishra was appointed in the post of priest of Mayadevi temple. After his death Gomati Mishra, Bhagavati prasad Mishra and his son-in-law Ganga Prasad Pandey became priest of this temple. They had conducted worship under the supervision of Lumbini Dharmodaya Committee. Before dismantling the Mayadevi temple one priest and one guard quota was fixed by the authority. Chandra Bhusana pandey son of Ganga prasad became Buddhist named Vivekananda at present. The tradition of worshiping in the sanctom-sanctorium of Mayadevi temple has stopped by the authority. According to the Rule and Regulation, 2058 of LDT, only five Bhikshuss and five their helper have been permitted to stay in each Buddhist shrine. During the period of construction skilled and semi-skilled workers of the concerned party are also permitted to stay here. Due to the fixation of the numbers of monk and nuns to live in Lumbini each monastery has limited number of functionaries. They are awarded by the titles of sthavir and Mahasthavir on the basis of their knowledge and seniority. Senior monks and nuns have been respected by the juniors. Almost all the functionaries of the monasteries are monks and nuns. On the basis of their professions, they can be grouped into the following categories:-
Monk and Nun
Duties and responsibilities are slightly difference among the
Hinayan, Mahayan and Vajrayan sects in Lumbini complex on the basis
of their country-wise cultural tradition and rules. Among them
Hinayan (Theravadi) sect is hard and rigid to follow up original
traditions. But other sects are liberal on the basis of changeable
movement of the society. They are liberal for cultural changes and
transmission in the synchronous times. Head of the monastery receive
the highest regard from the pilgrims and the local people. Vinaya
rules have been strictly followed up by the Theravadi. Walking on
pindapatra wearing panisukula robes (discarded cloth taken from the
rubbish heap or from the charnel ground) dwelling at the foot of a
tree and taking medicine picked in stale prize are the four Nissaya
or resources.
The four akaranaya kicca (things which should not be done) are indulging in sexual intercourse, stealing others property, killing living being, speaking boastfully with regard to special states that one has not, in fact, attained. Sila, Samadhi and Panna are the three trainings (sikkha). Sila means control of body and speech so that they should be correct and orderly. The action of guarding one's heart unwaveringly is Samadhi and thoroughly knowing the mass of sankhara (all conditioned things including the body and the mind) is panna. Monk and nuns should have obeyed these rule and regulations in proper way. If they do not follow these rules, they are punished on the basis of their offences. There are seven kinds of Apatti (offences) among them. Committed on offence of this class is served from the status of a Bhikshus is known parajika. Sangha disesa means a Bhikshus having committed on offence of this class must dwell under discipline in order to clear himself of the offence. Remaining five classes of apatti include confess fault of the monk or nun to the sangha or to a gana. There should be minimum 2 or 3 Bhikshuss in a gana. There are six reasons why a Bhikshus comments apatti. These are, viz. lack of shame, he does not know that it is an apatti, he is doubtful but still goes and does it, he thinks that he ought to do something when in fact he ought not, he thinks that he ought not to do some thing when in fact he ought to do it and he does something without thinking. The four parajika are a Bhikshus who indulges in sexual intercourses commits a parajika, kills a human being or causes him, takes somethings without permission and who boasts of uttarimanussadhamma ( i.e. states of Dhamma superior to the human state) which he has not in fact attained commits a parajika.
Bhikshus who does behave or action against their rule and regulations is punished by the gana. There are thirteen sanghadisesa (formal meeting) in course of their unlawful activities and behaviors. Being sexually excited touches the body of a woman commits a sanghadisesa. Being sexual excited speaks excitingly that a woman should enjoy herself by indulging in sex commits a sanghadisesa. A Bhikshus who acts as a go-between, leading a man and woman to become husband and wife as well as hut (12 sugata spans length X 7 spans wide) to built great than this and with out first permission of sangha. Being anger and misbehave with other Bhikshuss by means of a stratagem or pretext and sangha destruction commits a sanghadisesa. Theravadi strickly follows up these traditional rules and regulations, especially Thai, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Calcutta Mahabodhi society monasteries in Lumbini.
According to Ven. Phra Nirandarn Sihanam, secretary and member International Buddhist Monk in Lumbini (Theravada), the three fold trainings (studies) are sila-morality-training in higher morality, Samadhi-concentration, meditation in higher mentality and panna-wisdom and in higher wisdom (Appendix- 7). Bhikkhu Maitri, chairman of International Buddhist Society Lumbini, belief on self and do good, be good as a monk in the Buddhist world (Appendix-6). Mahāyan and Tibetan Lamaism are not so hard and rigid in course of following rules and regulations. Ven. Dr. Lam suggests that every one should be hard worker to keep peace and harmony. Monk and nuns of China, South Korea, Vietnam, Japan, Germany, Mananga of Nepal and Tibetan Lama are liberal and easily accept social changes in the contemporary society. International Buddhist Federation is also constituted to conduct various religious activities in Lumbini complex. Buddha puja have been conducting at full-moon day in each month as a common plat-form of all these sects of Lumbini.
Singer and Musicians
The devotional singer and musicians are in a large number,
particularly at the shrines of Mahāyan. On the occasion of daily
worship and on the days of important festivals in Lumbini devotional
singers and musicians usually sing devotional Buddhist songs to
please the deities and the people who gather there. Buddha's
teachings, philosophy, rules and regulations have been converted
into devotional songs on the interest of the devotees. Dr. Lam, the
president of International Buddhist Federation and Founder of
Vietnam phat Que in Lumbini , opinions that the young people have
less interest in the devotional songs of the shrines, especially
local people at present. Bhikkshu and Sravane are engaged in beating
drums and to play other musical instruments in course of their puja
offering. At Nipponzan Myhoji, Santi Stūpa complex, Bhiksshu always
use musical drums and other instructions on the occasion of worship
in the morning and at evening. These instructions are also used on
special worships. Germany Lotus-Stūpa, Chinese temple, Korean
temple, Manang-Sewa Samaja and Tibetan Lama Monasteries have also
been using musical instruments in course of their daily worship at
the shrines.
Traditional singers and dancers are employed by the pilgrims and local people on the occasion of special festivals of Lumbini garden. At chaitra sukla purnima, a lot of traditional singers and dancers have been involved in their activities. They sing Hindu as well as Buddhist stories as their favorite songs with musical instruments. They are engaged to dance and collect entertainment charge among the visitors. They are frequently employed by the pilgrims on contact for dancing at the time of the performances of the sacred rituals of various kinds in honour of Mayadevi temple. Professional singers and dancers have been associated with modern clubs i.e. Biraha. Under the leadership of TRPAP, local people have opened their modern clubs where they make regular programs of singing and dancing to entertain tourists and pilgrims. By these devotional activities, they earn money by which they have promoted their life styles and skills. Tourist guides of LDT and private sectors have played a vital role in the promotion of sacred complex of Lumbini. First of all, the pilgrims come at the premises of Mayadevi temple to pay devotional feeling. National as well as foreign pilgrims are not completely familiar with master plan of Lumbini. If the guides of LDT or private sector lead them to the monastic zone, the pilgrims will be visited and interested towards Lumbini. Otherwise, they will be unknown about this sacred garden. Now-a-days LDT has appointed especially tourist guides and TRPAP has also trained local tourist guides to promote pilgrimage activities in Lumbini. Hotel and Travel Agencies of Lumbini, Bhairahawa and other concerned area have also managed of guidance of proper sites of this area.
Two meditation centers of Lumbini have also significant role in the promotion of Buddhist culture. Meditation is a practice of training the mind in continuous movement to movement mindfulness through out one's entire day. Vipassana or insight mediation is a form of Buddhist mediation from the Theravada tradition. As it is taught in the tradition of late Ven. Mahasi Sayadaw of Myanmar, Vipassana mediation consists of continuous mindfulness in sitting mediation in walking mediation and in all general activities. All mediators are required to observe the "Eight training precepts" and to maintain "Noble Silence" through out the course of a retreat. The ultimate aim and primary benefit of this meditation practice is the attainment of the four noble path knowledge, which take "Nibbana", the state of peace, as an object. Panditaram Lumbini International Vipassana Meditation Centre has provided services to S. Korean, US American, German, British, Hungarian, Canadian, French, Swiss and Italian. Goenka meditation Centre is also providing mental training to the followers in each month. Experts of meditation centre are also propagating four noble truths and servicing of Buddhism. These are also known as sacred servicing of Buddhism. These are also known as sacred specialists.
Temples of Lumbini have appointed pale or guard for the protection of vihar, Stūpa and gumba. Almost all the guards of these shrines are local people. They are also participated in course of daily performances at the shrines. Garland-sellers, bead-sellers, flower and other puja article-sellers are also directly associated with the activities of the specialists of this complex. Gardening is an interesting job due to the memory of Indra's paradise as mentioned in Buddhist literature. All the monastery, vihar and Stūpa area have hedge plantation. Each shrine has appointed Gardener to protect garden complex and LDT has also appointed five dozen gardeners for flowering and beautification of this area. In the premise of Mayadevi temple, some people are found selling puja materials, such as fruits, flowers, beads, bangles, images of Buddha etc. for purpose of un-interrupted supply of the puja-materials to the pilgrims and the visitor of this complex.
The tradition of offering shaved-hair, at the time of the head-shaving ceremony of the small child, at Aśokan pillar is interesting for their optimum satisfaction. Barbers are also functionary of Lumbini. They not only shave the head of the people on the occasion of upanayan, marriage of the youths and antyesthi-kriya of the local people, but also bless the pilgrims to have peace and harmony. The local people generally engage them to work barber at the time of special festivals in Lumbini. At chaitra sukla purnima more than one hundred thousand people are gathered to celebrate their traditional festival in Lumbini garden. On this occasion, barbers are also engaged in their professional duties. This tradition is mainly originated from the shaven-head of Siddhartha in course of his Mahaviniskramana.
Above mentioned sacred specialists have played a vital role in the promotion of sacred complex of Lumbini. There are some other types of specialists which are employed by LDT. Management Committee, administrative and technical staffs of LDT have also mobilized the sacred performances on the basis of LDT Act, 2042.
LIFE STYLE OF THE SPECIALIST
The life style of the sacred specialists of Lumbini depends on their sects. Hinayāni are rigid and hard to follow their rules and regulations in traditional ways. Mahāyani are modernizing their life-styles and models on the basis of changing concept of the synchronous times. Bhikshuss get up early in the morning about 4.00 a.m. and then perform the morning worship of the deities. Hinayān chant triple gems, panchasila, astasila and proper Buddhist songs. Mahāyan also chant own mantras on their national tradition and rule. Bhikshus of Nipponzan Myohoji get up at 4 a.m. and start puja. After some time they walk Lumbini area about one and half hour. Sometimes, they reach to the villagers to inform Buddha's teachings and sutras. In the morning they take breakfast and engage themselves in their specified services. In the after noon time they take lunch before 12.00 a.m. Mahayani and Lama are not strictly prohibited for their lunch time. After their lunch they take rest for about an hour.
They do not eat solid foods after 12 a.m. They drink liquid viz. water, milk and fruit juice at evening dinner-time. Bhikshuss are generally vegetarians and they take rice, pulse, sweets, milk, breads, fruits, edible roots of different kinds and various kinds of vegetables. Mahāyani monk and nuns are permitted to take non-vegetarian food also. They do not kill any creatures but are permitted to take killed by others. Because of different followers of different sects of Buddhism, dress, color and designs are also different. Theravadi Bhikshus wear yellow sanghati and various colors except blue and white colour in Lumbini complex. Mahāyani are found wearing shirt, kurta, ganji, socks, shoes and sandals in their position of living. Some of them in Vajrayān sect wear saundaha, gemti, panden, chhuwa, tutunga, angi and banjura due to the influence of Sherapa or Bhote culture of the northern side of Nepal. General functionaries except Bhikshuss usually wear shirt, paint, dhoti, kachchhada, kurta, coat, shoes, sandals and garments in proper seasons. Nuns wear sadi, cholo, kambarbandha and sandals. The colour is also similar to monks. Sacred functionaries pass their leisure time in the social activities to promote the life styles of the neighborhood of Lumbini complex. In course of field study of this researcher monk and nuns wear engaged in social activities.
According to Bhikshus Maitri, International Buddhist Society was established for social services at the villages around Lumbini complex. IBS has provided facilities of drinking water, drainage, literacy, non-formal vocational education, free-health service etc. of the local people of Lumbini (Appendix-6). Foreign donor agencies have also participated in these programs. Five years ago on the way of counting Sarus Cranes nearly Lumbini village, Thay Huyen Dieu saw the scene that people of this area were struggling to across the river. He feel very sad and constructed a bridge there. Since then, every day thousands of people go to the market, children go to school and patient can reach to the hospital very easily crossing the bridge. Due to the direct influenced to the society, every year the Vietnam Bridge Committee and the Local Villagers organize a festival day in order to encourage the people, particularly the younger generation to do good thing in life. It is only an example of social activity. Such many social activities have been done by the monks and nuns of Lumbini complex. They are also directly involved in the supervision and construction of their proper shrines. All the monasteries and institutions are organized in a Federation of Lumbini to develop Lumbini Complex. They are very interested to promote Lumbini as a World Peace City (IBS, 2004: 35-38). These are only the examples of social work. Sacred specialists have been contributing to promote the life styles of the people of Lumbini and its outskirts.
Various worships are conducted by the head-monk of the vihar and monasteries. During the period of regular worship, all the monks and nuns of the concerned shrines are participated in a group. In the absence of head-monk all the puja and performances have been conducted under the leadership of assistant Bhikkshu. Almost all the Bhikkhus of the concerned Vihar and Stūpa have been appointed by the national or organizational authorities. Local monk and nuns have been involved freely in their duties and responsibilities.
