Tsa Yig
The Tsa Yig (Classical Tibetan: བཅའ་ཡིག་, Wylie: bca' yig) is any monastic constitution[1] or code of moral discipline based on codified Tibetan Buddhist precepts.[2][3] Every Tibetan monastery and convent had its own Tsa Yig,[4] and the variation in Tsa Yig content shows a degree of autonomy and internal democracy.[5]
In
Monastic constitutions
The Tsa Yig, as monastic constitutions or ordinances, emphasize institutional organization and the liturgical calendar. Considered a special type of Buddhist literature, these codes have a close connection with, but are separate from, the general vinaya rules on individual morality and conduct.[10] While they shared some common elements of basic structure, individual Tsa Yig codes vary considerably in scope and content, such that no one could be called typical.[1] These variations indicate a measure of monastic autonomy and internal democracy.[5]
For example, one Tsa Yig included anti-hunting laws banning hunting outright for monks as well as regulating hunting among laypersons. The Tsa Yig for one gelugpa establishment provides, "when itinerant game hunters appear, they should be punished by gathering their weapons in the protector's temple and in addition exhorted once again to observe lawfulness."[11]
The Tsa Yig is not limited to mainstream
Tsa Yig in Bhutan
The Tsa Yig held a special position in
Early Bhutan
The Tsa Yig of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal laid down the
The Tsa Yig contained the prohibitions of the "ten impious acts." The prohibitions included homicide, a crime punished by the payment of
The Tsa Yig also contained affirmative duties called the "sixteen acts of social piety." All were required to regard parents with filial respect and affections, and elders with reverence. All were to receive with gratitude any kind action done by others to themselves. Furthermore, they were to avoid dishonesty and the use of false measures. These were the essence of the "sixteen acts of social piety" of the Tsa Yig.[13][15]
Modern Bhutan
In 1907,
The king therefore instated new rules in the Tsa Yig, which he justified in terms of Buddhist precepts. Foremost, the king made laws on the collection of taxes and accountability of collectors to the king, prohibited the combining of raiyat (peasant) holdings,
King Ugyen Wangchuck's reforms prohibited the sale and purchase of slaves, and limited the use of coolies by state officers to occasions where the health of the officer required such. Otherwise, the institution of slavery was left intact: slaves attempting to escape were to be detained, and anyone who harbored an escaped slave was to "make good the slave."[13] However, if one returned an escaped slave, the owner faced a legal obligation to compensate him for his time and effort.
Those who harbored thieves were to receive the same punishment as the criminals themselves. Anyone who wrongly threatened or attempted to strike another with a sword was made liable for a sword fine. One who committed
Funerary and other religious rules pepper King Ugyen Wangchuck's reforms. Also included is a ban on the "most filthy and noxious herb, called tobacco."[13]
Codification and abrogation
The grandson of Ugyen, King
The Tsa Yig was revised in 1957 and ostensibly replaced with a new code in 1965. The 1965 code, however, retained most of the spirit and substance of the 17th century code. Family problems, such as marriage, divorce, and
See also
- Constitution of Bhutan
- Dual system of government
- History of Bhutan
- Judicial system of Bhutan
- Law of Bhutan
- Royal Court of Justice
- Slavery in Bhutan
Notes
- ^ ISBN 0-88946-064-7. Retrieved 15 October 2011.
- ^ Central Asiatic Journal. Vol. 43–44. O. Harrassowitz. 1999. pp. 288–289. Retrieved 15 October 2011.
- ISBN 0-88946-064-7. Retrieved 13 October 2011.
- ISBN 0-674-01287-9. Retrieved 16 October 2011.
- ^ ISBN 81-208-2752-X. Retrieved 16 October 2011.
- ^ "Tibetan-English-Dictionary of Buddhist Teaching & Practice". Diamond Way Buddhism Worldwide. Rangjung Yeshe Translations & Publications. 1996. Archived from the original on 28 March 2010. Retrieved 1 January 2011.
- ISBN 0-231-11004-9. Retrieved 25 December 2010.
- ISBN 0-85668-082-6. Retrieved 3 January 2011.
- ISBN 0-8444-0777-1. Retrieved 19 October 2010.
- ISBN 0-86171-179-3. Retrieved 15 October 2011.
- ISBN 0-7007-1332-8.
- Royal Geographical Society of London. p. 208. Retrieved 25 December 2010.
- ^ ISBN 9780598739278. Retrieved 25 December 2010.
- ^ "The Royal Court of Justice Crest" (PDF). Royal Court of Justice. Retrieved 3 January 2011.
- ^ a b "Introduction to the Bhutanese Legal system". The Royal Court of Justice Online. Royal Court of Justice. Archived from the original on 26 April 2011. Retrieved 10 February 2011.
- ISBN 0-8444-0777-1. Retrieved 19 October 2010.