Stop identifying monks who make blunders as 'Cheevaradharin'

Stop identifying monks who make blunders as 'Cheevaradharin'

Ven. Atapattukande Ananda Thera writing to a newspaper last Poya Day about the tendency to identify monks who are accused of offences by the title of 'Cheevaradharin' in most publications published in Sri Lanka expresses his opinion that it is

not suitable.

The thera had mentioned his views about it in this manner:

 "It is stated in the Dhamma that those who are endowed with virtue and free of sin and who are able to control their senses are suitable to put on the yellow robe. The Vinaya texts of the Buddha doctrine speaks of this flawless dress, its finish and its volume. This costume which was not subjected to any change whatsoever since 6th Century A.D. upto now and had been honoured is the Buddhist symbol of Theravada Buddhism.

Just as much as today there were those who were not fit enough to adorn the yellow robe in the sasana those days too. This norm is common even in the contemporary Buddhist sangha society. The clergy who indulge in vice acts and engage in disgraceful behaviour are found in plenty as indicated in the Vinaya text. These elements are identified in the modern day as 'Cheevaradhari' by most media. Its common connotation is 'one who adorns the robe'. Taken in that sense all members of the clergy are 'Cheevaradhari's.

It is an identity which brings upon contempt to the entire bhikku society and it also gives a different interpretation to the noble word concerned. I would suggest that a different suitable term be used to identify such disgraceful and unsuitable persons".