The Buddhist Monk Role of Cognitive Promotion in BHAŅAYAKKHA Ritual

Abstract

The Bhanayakkha prayer or Artanatiya-Paritta as appeared in Tipitaka has the main purpose to protect the 4 Buddhist Groups to practice dharma peacefully. At present, it is used in the perspective of superstition, benefit and make Buddhists distanced from the true principles of Buddhism. The Buddhist monks, as the ritual guide, should play a role to guide the intellectual direction from the prayer ritual by 3 ways: 1) Using it to bring Buddhists from the way of faith to the way of wisdom as far as from wrong views (Mijja Diṭṭhi) or adherence to ignorant practices (Silabbata-Paramasa); 2) Using it as the cost of thought to protect Buddhism in accordance with the essence of the formula as a way of thinking for public interest, ie Buddhism, not for personal gain; and 3) Using it as the thinking costs for self-reliance and self-improvement focusing on ways of thinking about preventing and solving problems with perseverance and wisdom without expecting the help from others, including monks, gods or giants.