Analyzing the Ten Purposes of Monastic Legislation: A Case Study of Disciplinary Judgment during the First Council of the Elder Mahākassapa and Reflection on Contemporary Sangha Issues

Abstract

The problem that has arisen among the Sangha from the past to the present is, to a significant extent, caused by a breach in discipline. Whenever issues arise within the Sangha, it becomes the responsibility of the guardians to address and resolve those problems. One concept that can be employed to address disciplinary issues is the Ten Principles - the purposes of monastic legislation - laid out by Lord Buddha. This article aims to analyze the Ten Principles in order to study their application in resolving disciplinary issues during the first Buddhist Council and to use them as a framework to examine contemporary Sangha issues. The evidence compiled for this study includes primary sources such as the Tripiṭaka (Buddhist canon) and related documents, which have been collectively analyzed.

The study finds that observing the Ten Principles yields the following benefits: 1) Acknowledging the virtuous qualities of the Sangha 2) Finding joy in living within the Sangha community 3) Restraining individuals who lack shame 4) Finding joy in the company of virtuous monks 5) Preventing current misconduct 6) Eliminating future misconduct 7) Instilling confidence in those who have not yet gained confidence 8) Boosting the confidence of those who are already confident 9) Establishing a firm foundation for the true doctrine 10) Supporting the maintenance of discipline.

These principles can be categorized into five main benefits: 1) Enhancing the goodness and happiness of the Sangha 2) Restraining and honouring individuals 3) Preventing and eradicating defilements 4) Boosting community confidence 5) Establishing discipline and doctrinal firmness.

These principles can be harmonized with the decision-making process used to resolve disciplinary issues during the first Buddhist Council. Furthermore, they can also be applied to investigate current Sangha problems.