Buddhist Sangha conference agrees to 18 amendments
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The all-sect Buddhist Sangha conference was wrapped up on May 13, with an agreement to make 18 amendments to its constitution.
The four-day event, the first since 1995, drew 2,558 monks who eagerly discussed issues relating to the Buddhist clergy.
Among the amendments, was one that concerned the term of the members of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee. At present, they can hold their titles for six years. Under the amendment, they can hold the positions six more years if re-elected.
The committee will also seek autonomy from the government’s Religious Affairs Department.
The terms for township, state and central state Sangha were also amended altogether with the terms for ward, village, township, state and regional Sangha Nayaka committee members.
State Central Sangha Sayadaw Badanta Kaythaya Biwunthaka from Masoeyein Taikthit, in Maha Aung May Township of Mandalay Region, proposed the 4th amendment to Sangha Committee’s constitution at the 5th all-sect Sangha conference.
The 1st all-sect Sangha conference was held in May 1980 and attended by 1,218 monks, the 2nd in May 1985 with 1,385 monks, and the 3rd in March 1995 with 1,439 monks.
