The Buddhist Vihāra or Monastery

[Full title: Education during the Buddhist Period (1): Buddhist Vihāra or Monastery]

In ancient times the Buddhist Monastery–known as ‘Vihāra’ played a very important role in Indian life and thought. The word Vihāra means the dwelling place especially for the Monks. This Vihāra deserve much credit as they gradually turned in the institutes of higher learning. During the life time of Buddha these Vihāra or the dwelling place of the Monks were in vogue. Numerous Pali text and the epigraphically records shows that Vihāras came in to existence in a very early period. During the earlier period the Bhikṣus generally used to live by the side of the tree root in the forest and gradually some Vihāras were established for Bhikṣus. The Bhikṣus used to take rest in these Vihāras^[1].

Buddha himself stayed with group of disciples in Vihāras. At first these Vihāras or Monasteries were used during the rainy season. Because in the rainy season, it was difficult for mendicants to travel outside^[2]. From the Mahāvagga^[3] we learn that King Bimbisāra of Magadha offered Veluvana Vihāra to Buddha and followers, and this was the first Vihāra ever presented to the Saṃgha. But gradually or after the death of Buddha, these Monasteries or Vihāras were transformed in to educational institution. There were many Vihāras or Monasteries developed on Northern and Western part of India. But it is not possible to locate all these Vihāras. Now we shall mention some of the famous Monastic Centres or Vihāras of Buddhist period. Of these Monastic Centres Takṣaśilā, Nālandā Vihāra, Valabhī, Vikraṃśilā Mahāvihāra, Odantapuri Mahāvihāra and Jagaddala Mahāvihāra deserve special reference.