A STUDY OF THE RITE IN THERAVADA BUDDHISM

Abstract

The rite in Theravada Buddhism means subsidizing to each other by donation money for paying respect, it is the doctrine related to the courtesy, dividing into two kinds, i.e., aiding and paying respect, they are: 1) Ñãti-Pli-offering to kinsfolks, i.e. Dhamma kinfolks and worldly ones, 2 ) Atithi-Pli-welcoming guests or visitors by building good relationship, 3) Puppapeta-Pli-dedicating merit to ancestors who deceased by making merit called ‘patti dãnamaya,’ the merit arising from giving dana to the purified person, 4) Rãja-Pli-donation of money for helping the country by paying tax to the state, and 5) Devatã-Pli-dedicating of merit to deities called ‘deva-puja,’ once deities obtained merit in which dedicated to them, they would protect us to be prosperous forever.