Forms and Methods of Entering into Religious Life in Lanna

Abstract

This academic article aims to study the practice of Parivasa in Lanna in terms of form and practice. The method used is to analyze documents and related research. The results of the study found that Parivasa is a Sangha activity of the monks that the Lord Buddha prescribed and assigned the Sangha to take care of and manage by themselves. The Lord Buddha prescribed the rules and procedures called the Wutthanavithi practice as a method to escape from the Sanghatisesa offense. Parivasa in Theravada Buddhism has been strictly practiced according to the Vinaya since the past. Parivasa in Lanna began when Lanna accepted Theravada Buddhism. In the past, organizing Parivasa was not easy because transportation was difficult. Communication to other provinces was difficult. The temples that were popular for organizing Parivasa in Lanna were Wat Phra Phutthabat Tak Pha, Pa Sang District, Lamphun Province and Wat Nam Bo Luang, San Pa Tong District, Chiang Mai Province. At present, organizing Parivasa still follows the same rules and procedures as in the past. The only difference is the environment that the organizers have integrated to allow for the practice of Dhamma together. Therefore, both monks and laymen practice Dhamma together. Some temples also promote merit-making to support Buddhism.