By Yin Nwe Ko

 

THE honorary ceremony for the recipients of Tipi­takadhara Tipitakakovida titles and monastics recognized as “Religious Heroes” (Sāsanā Ā zani) in the 77th Tipitaka Recitation and Tipitakadhara Tipitakakovida Examination was held solemnly on 22 May of this year at the Maha Pasāna Cave on the Kaba Aye Hill in Yangon.

 

Present at the ceremony were the Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, senior members of the Sangha, religious heroes who successfully passed the Tipitaka examinations and received their Tipitakadhara Tipitakakovida titles, along with the Vice-Chairman of the State Administration Council, Depu­ty Prime Minister and Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Vice-Senior General Soe Win and his wife Daw Than Than Nwe, departmental officials, and other invitees.

 

In this year’s 77th Tipitaka Recitation and Examination, one monk successfully recited all three Pitakas and was conferred the full Tipitakadhara Tipitakakovida title, becoming a new Religious Hero. Additionally, two monks who recit­ed two Pitakas received the Tip­itakakovida (Sutta) title, eleven monks reciting two Pitakas were awarded the Tipitakadhara (Sutta) title, one monk who recited one Pitaka received the Tipitakakovida (Vinaya) title, twenty-nine monks who recited one Pitaka received the Tipitakadhara (Vinaya) title, seven monks reciting the Vinaya Pitaka’s Ubhato Vibhaṅga section were awarded the Tipitakakovi­da (Ubhato Vibhaṅga) title, and forty-six monks received the Tip­itakadhara (Ubhato Vibhaṅga) ti­tle. In total, 97 monks successfully completed their respective exam­inations and received titles. The remarkable efforts and commit­ment of these monks are deeply respected and honoured by the Buddhist community nationwide.

 

In Myanmar, the Tipitaka Recitation and Examination Cer­emony is held as a distinguished religious and academic event of the highest order, especially de­signed for highly disciplined, wise, and well-versed monastics. It is organized to support and maintain the vitality and purity of the Sasana (Buddha’s teachings) and to iden­tify outstanding individuals capa­ble of memorizing and accurately reciting the sacred scriptures.

 

From the inception of the examination to this 77th event, seventeen monks have been hon­oured with the full Tipitakadhara Tipitakakovida title and designat­ed as “Religious Heroes”. Their achievements are greatly revered as a vital contribution to the endur­ance and flourishing of Theravāda Buddhism in Myanmar.

 

This prestigious national-lev­el examination and recitation is recognized not only within My­anmar but also globally as one of the most rigorous and revered re­ligious events. The exam requires memorization and recitation of the Buddha’s words with complete accuracy, along with explanation and interpretation of the texts, demanding exceptional memory, mindfulness, perseverance, and profound wisdom. It is a demand­ing task, seen as a significant spiritual endeavour towards the ultimate goal of Nibbāna.

 

In recognition of the extraor­dinary efforts of the monks who have attained the title of Religious Heroes by memorizing and recit­ing the sacred Tipitaka, layper­sons and the state pay homage to them by offering gifts and per­forming Dhammadāna (donations of Dhamma). Offering respectful tributes and necessary items to these exemplary monks is a noble deed believed to bring merit that supports one’s path to Nibbāna.

 

The ceremony was a symbol of the collective efforts of the gov­ernment and the public in preserv­ing and honouring the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. The State Ad­ministration Council encourages citizens to continue supporting these great monks and uphold the spiritual values of the nation.

 

The appearance of Tipi­takadhara Tipitakakovida monks and other Dhamma heroes brings many great benefits to the Sasa­na. These monks are like strong pillars that hold up the Buddha’s teachings. Their deep knowledge, hard work, and moral discipline help keep the religion pure and alive for future generations.

 

Here are some of the impor­tant benefits they bring to the Sasana:

 

• Preserving the True Teach­ings of the Buddha

 

• The Tipitaka is the original word of the Buddha. These Dhamma heroes memorize the whole Tipitaka and also understand its meaning. Be­cause of their great memo­ry and deep knowledge, the Buddha’s teachings remain safe and correct. They help prevent wrong teachings or changes to the original Dham­ma.

 

• Guiding Other Monks and Laypeople

 

• These monks are like teach­ers and leaders. They guide younger monks and laypeople. They explain difficult parts of the scriptures in simple ways. This helps people understand the true path to peace and happiness. Their teaching brings more faith and wisdom into the community.

 

• Keeping the Sasana Strong in Society

 

• When people see these Dham­ma heroes, they feel proud of their religion. Their example gives strength to the Sasana. It reminds people to follow the moral teachings of the Buddha. Their presence en­courages others to practice generosity, keep precepts, and meditate.

 

• Encouraging Monks to Study the Scriptures

 

• Young monks feel inspired when they see Tipitakadhara monks. They want to follow in their footsteps. So, more monks began to study the scriptures seriously. This helps produce more learned monks in the future, which is very important for the long life of the Sasana.

 

• Creating Unity and Harmony in the Sangha

• These Dhamma heroes are respected by all. Because of their high level of knowl­edge and good conduct, other monks and people listen to them. They help settle ques­tions about Dhamma and Vinaya (monk rules). This brings unity to the monastic community and helps avoid conflicts.

 

• Bringing Respect to Myanmar Around the World

• The Tipitakadhara Tipitakak­ovida exam is very special and only held in Myanmar. Be­cause of this, the world sees Myanmar as a strong centre of Theravada Buddhism. These monks help raise the country’s honour in the world Buddhist community. Other countries admire Myanmar for keeping the Buddha’s teachings so carefully.

 

• Serving as Living Examples of the Dhamma

• These monks are not only book-learned. They also live simple, pure lives according to the Buddha’s rules. They are kind, wise, and peaceful. People can see the Dhamma in their daily actions. This gives others a living example to follow and encourages the right practice.

 

• Helping the Sasana Last for a Long Time

• The Buddha said that the Sasana would last longer if his teachings were preserved and practised correctly. These Dhamma heroes play a big part in this. By protecting the Tipitaka and teaching it to others, they help make sure that the Sasana remains bright and strong for many more years.

 

To sum up, the 77th Tipi­takadhara Tipitakakovida Selec­tion Examination is not just a reli­gious event but a shining example of the strength and continuity of the Buddha’s teachings in Myan­mar. The emergence of Dhamma heroes who preserve and spread the Tipitaka brings great honour to the Sasana and benefits all Bud­dhists. Their wisdom, discipline, and deep faith serve as a guiding light for the present and future generations, helping the Sasana to flourish and remain strong for many years to come.

 

PHOTO: THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR