A comparative study of monastic funeral traditions between the Dhammayuttika Nikaya and the Ramanna Nikaya in Mon state, Myanmar

Abstract

A large quantity of research has been done on the Buddhist monastic community in Myanmar, especially on religious ritual, the ordination practices. However, less has been done on the monastic funeral rites. This thesis investigated the differences between the monastic funeral rites of the two Mon Nikayas, the Dhammayuttika Nikaya and the Ramanna Nikaka. The researcher conducted an interview with 20 members of abbots and vice-abbots from both Nikaya and did fieldwork studies on three monastic funeral ceremonies. The study revealed that although they are from the same Theravada background and are ethnically homogenous, there are discrepancies in their funeral practices. One of the main differences between the two Nikaya is that the Ramanna Nikaya's monastic funerals were usually grand, boisterous, while the Dhammayuttika Nikaya funerals were moderate and solemn. Robert Hertz's theory of 'the double funeral' was applied in analyzing these monastic funeral practices. It was found out that their historical background, attitudes to discipline, and duration of the preservation of the body account for their different funeral practices