Dambadeni Katikāvata communicates contemporary, ecclesiastical posts and education background

Abstract

Dambadeni Katikāvata was adopted even before the lapse of one and half centuries after the adoption of Polonnaru Katikāvata and the subsequent reforms of the community of Sangha. This was adopted by the consensus of the Vanavasi Mahasangha headed by the patron of the Dispensation Sri Sangharakshita Mahathera and Dimbulagala Medhankara Thera who assembled at Vijayasundararamaya of Dambadeniya. The Katikavata was adopted with the patronage of king Vijayabāhu III. The reason for the adoption of the Katikāvata is revealed by the sentence٫ “Having come to know of the various acts of indiscipline on the part of many who have entered the community of Sangha.” The rule in this Katikāvata effected the Pirivenas and Mūlāyatanas of the time. Particularly Bhikkhus brought about a more systematical and methodical administration in the institution. Under the new rule of Katikāvata Mahimi, Mahathera, Mulayatanadhipati his deputy and Parivenadhipati were appointed by the king with the consensus of Mahasañgha. When we consider the main objects of the Dambadeni Katikāvata, it mainly focusses on setting up a proper education system. The objects such as laying down qualifications for appointment of the head of Pirivenas and Mulayatanayas and conferment of such offices with the concurrence of the king, to make the education of Bhikkhus more religious and Pirivena curriculum without allowing them to take secular bias, teaching the laity without any profit motive. Through this, Dambadeni Katikāvata reveals that a well- organized education system and various positions existed in that period.