Buddhist Monks suggest key changes in UNFGG manifesto

Several prominent Buddhist monks who had accepted the proposals made on Buddhism in the manifesto of United National Front for Good Governance (UNFGG) yesterday suggested key changes going further than the said manifesto had suggested.

The monks including Ven. DhambaraAmila Thera, Ven.Amunagoda Indaratana Thera, Ven. Kahatapitiye Pannasara Thera, Ven. Karakole Piyadassi Thera and Ven. Brahamanawatte Seewali Thera stressed the need to unite the three Bikkhu chapters at least when making key decisions on Sasana.

Ven. Amila Thera who elaborated on this said an inscription written during the era of King Parakramabahu the Great had suggested the amalgamation of the three chapters. This he said had been written after a ‘ Sangayana ( conference of the monks) during that time. However, the Venerable Thera said what they urge today is unity among the three chapters at least when making important decisions.

Also the monks called for the complete revision of the TemporalAct to address the issues that have arisen today. One issue that has to be resolved is the unity when using the property that has been offered to the Sasana. Ven. Amila Thera said when properties or any other asset is offered to the Sasana it is given to the Sangha as a whole and not to the individual members. Therefore he said the idea of common ownership of these properties should be maintained.

Further the monks said Sangayana suggested by UNFGG should be aimed at preserving the principles and methods thought by Buddha when preaching.

Ven. Amila Thera said an inscription written during the era of King Parakramabahu the Great had suggested the amalgamation of the three chapters