EAP756/1/145/2

A single-section kammavācā manuscript. Kammavācās are monastic ritual formulas recited on specific occasions, such as the ordination of a new monk, formal instruction of a newly ordained monk about the basics of monastic discipline, consecration of an ordination hall, etc. Formal recitation and silent approval of assembled monks signifies important status transitions for persons requesting such recitation or for property that requires ritual clearance for proper monastic use. The scope of kammavācā manuscripts varied from one section (i.e. a single purpose) to multiple (and, thus, multiple-purpose) ones. While ceremonial kammavācā and kammavācā nissya manuscripts were often decorated, many, especially those related to monastic offences or including such sections, were plain palm-leaf ones (as is the case with this manuscript). Ovāda kammavācā is a formal admonition given to newly ordained monks concerning the four necessities which constitute the primary articles of monastic use and the rules of discipline that monks may not break. This nissaya is identified descriptively in the colophon as Kyaṅʻʹ ’apʻ so ma kyaṅʻʹ ’apʻ so tarāʺ (ကျင့်အပ်သော မကျင့်အပ်သော တရား).

Extent and format of original material: 1 fascicle of 4 inscribed folios.

Physical characteristics: Incomplete, folios ka-ki, ku missing.