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Vinaya Pitaka
The Basket of Discipline
Introduction to the Patimokkha Rules
The Bhikkhu Patimokkha.The Bhikkhus' Code of Discipline
The Bhikkhuni Patimokkha.The Bhikkhunis' Code of Discipline
The
Buddhist Monastic Code.The Patimokkha Training
Rules
The Bhikkhus' Rules. A Guide for Laypeople
Vatta
Khandhaka. Collection of Duties
The Vinaya Pitaka, the first division of the Tipitaka, is
the textual framework upon which the monastic community (Sangha) is built,
and includes the code of rules that defines the way of life of Theravada
bhikkhus (monks) and bhikkhunis (nuns). It also details the
many rules, procedures, and forms of etiquette that are necessary to
support harmonious relations, both among the monastics themselves, and
between the monastics and their lay supporters, upon whom they depend.
For a time after the Buddha first established the Sangha, the community
lived in harmony without any codified rules of conduct. Over time,
however, as the Sangha grew in number and evolved into a more complex
society, occasions inevitably arose when some members would act in
unskillful ways. Whenever one of these cases was brought to the Buddha's
attention, he would lay down a rule establishing a suitable punishment for
the offense, as a deterrent to future misconduct. The Buddha's usual
reprimand was itself a powerful corrective:
It is not fit, foolish man, it is not becoming, it is not proper, it
is unworthy of a recluse, it is not lawful, it ought not to be done. How
could you, foolish man, having gone forth under this Dhamma and
Discipline which are well-taught, [commit such and such offense]?... It
is not, foolish man, for the benefit of un-believers, nor for the
increase in the number of believers, but, foolish man, it is to the
detriment of both unbelievers and believers, and it causes wavering in
some. (The Book of the Discipline, Part I, by I.B. Horner
(London: Pali Text Society, 1982), pp. 36-7.)
The monastic tradition and the rules upon which it is built are
sometimes naïvely criticized -- particularly here in the West -- as
irrelevant to the "modern" practice of Buddhism. Some see the Vinaya as a
throwback to an archaic patriarchy, based on a hodge-podge of ancient
rules and customs that only obscure the essence of "true" Buddhist
practice. This unfortunate view misses one crucial fact: it is thanks to
the unbroken lineage of monastics who have consistently upheld and
protected the rules of the Vinaya for almost 2,600 years that we find
ourselves today with the luxury of receiving the priceless teachings of
Dhamma. Were it not for the Vinaya, and for those who continue to keep it
alive to this day, there would be no Buddhism.
It helps to keep in mind that the name the Buddha gave to the spiritual
path he taught was "Dhamma-vinaya" -- the Doctrine (Dhamma)
and Discipline (Vinaya) -- suggesting an integrated body of wisdom
and ethical training. The Vinaya is thus an indispensable facet and
foundation of all the Buddha's teachings, inseparable from the Dhamma, and
worthy of study by all followers -- lay and ordained, alike.
Lay practitioners will find the Vinaya Pitaka filled with valuable
practical lessons concerning human nature, guidance on how to establish
and maintain a harmonious community or organization, as well as profound
teachings of the Dhamma itself. But its greatest value, perhaps, lies in
its power to inspire the layperson to consider the extraordinary
possibilities offered by a life of true renunciation, lived in harmony
with the Dhamma.
The Three Divisions of the
Vinaya Pitaka
This section includes the basic training rules for bhikkhus and
bhikkhunis, along with the "origin story" for each one. These rules are
summarized in the Patimokkha, and amount to 227 rules for the bhikkhus, 311 for the
bhikkhunis. The Patimokkkha rules are grouped as follows:
- Parajika: rules entailing expulsion from the Sangha (Defeat) (4
for bhikkhus, 8 for bhikkhunis)
- Sanghadisesa: rules entailing an initial and subsequent meeting of
the Sangha (13,
17)
- Aniyata (indefinite) rules (2,
0)
- Nissaggiya pacittiya: rules entailing forfeiture and confession (30,
30)
- Pacittiya: rules entailing confession (92,
166)
- Patidesaniya: rules entailing acknowledgement (4,
8)
- Sekhiya: rules of training (75,
75)
- Adhikarana samatha: rules for settling disputes (7,
7)
Selections from the Suttavibhanga:
This includes several sutta-like texts, including an account of the
period immediately following the Buddha's Awakening, his first sermons
to the group of five monks, and stories of how some of his great
disciples joined the Sangha and themselves attained Awakening. Also
included are the rules for ordination, for reciting the Patimokkha
during
uposatha days, and various procedures that monks are to perform
during formal gatherings of the community.
Selections from the Mahavagga:
Note: The following passages follow the numbering convention
used by I.B. Horner in the PTS English translations.
-
Upatissa-pasine (Mv I.23.5) -- Upatissa's (Sariputta's) Question
[Thanissaro Bhikkhu, trans.]. The young Ven. Sariputta asks Ven.
Assaji, "What is your teacher's teaching?" Upon hearing the reply,
Ven. Sariputta attains the fruit of stream-entry. (This is one of the
suttas selected by King Asoka (r. 270-232 BCE) to be studied and
reflected upon frequently by all practicing Buddhists. See
That the True Dhamma Might Last a Long Time: Readings Selected by King
Asoka, by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.)
-
Vinaya-samukkamsa (Mv VI.40.1) -- The Innate Principles of the Vinaya
[Thanissaro Bhikkhu, trans.]. The Four Great Standards by which a monk
can determine whether an action would or would not be considered
allowable by the Buddha. (This is one of the suttas selected by King
Asoka (r. 270-232 BCE) to be studied and reflected upon frequently by
all practicing Buddhists. See
That the True Dhamma Might Last a Long Time: Readings Selected by King
Asoka, by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.)
-
Kucchivikara-vatthu (Mv VIII.26.1-8) -- The Monk with Dysentery
[Thanissaro Bhikkhu, trans.]. In this touching story the Buddha comes
across a desperately ill monk who had been utterly neglected by his
companions. The Buddha leaps to his aid, and offers a teaching on
those qualities that make patients easy (or difficult) to tend to and
those that make caregivers fit (or unfit) to tend to their patients.
-
Dighavu-kumara Vatthu (Mv X.2.3-20) -- The Story of Prince Dighavu
[Thanissaro Bhikkhu, trans.]. This is surely one of the most dramatic
stories in the Pali Canon -- a tale of murder, intrigue, and revenge
-- which teaches the wisest way to "settle an old score."
-
The Buddhist Monastic Code, Volume II: The Khandhaka Training Rules
Translated and Explained, by Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Valley
Center, CA: Metta Forest Monastery, 2002).
This section includes an elaboration of the bhikkhus' etiquette and
duties, as well as the rules and procedures for addressing offences that
may be committed within the Sangha. Also included is the story of the
establishment of the bhikkhuni Sangha, plus detailed accounts of the First
and
Second Councils.
Selections from the Cullavagga:
-
Vatta Khandaka (Cv VIII) -- Collection of Duties
[Thanissaro
Bhikkhu, trans.]. This chapter concerns the duties that govern the
day-to-day life of the bhikkhus. Many of the duties outlined here are
more subtle than the strict rules laid out in the Suttavibhanga, and call on the bhikkhus
to cultivate a respectful and well-mannered sensitivity to others in
the community. Although this text is principally intended for monks,
laypeople will find in it many useful hints for the mindful
cultivation of good habits and manners, even in the midst of a busy
lay life.
-
The Buddhist Monastic Code, Volume II: The Khandhaka Training Rules
Translated and Explained, by Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Valley
Center, CA: Metta Forest Monastery, 2002).
A recapitulation of the previous sections, with summaries of the rules
classified and re-classified in various ways for instructional purposes.
See also:
-
The Buddhist Monastic Code, Volume I: The Patimokkha Training Rules
Translated and Explained, by Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Valley Center,
CA: Metta Forest Monastery, 1996). A comprehensive modern commentary to
the 227 Patimokkha rules for Theravada monks.
-
The Buddhist Monastic Code, Volume II: The Khandhaka Training Rules
Translated and Explained, by Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Valley Center,
CA: Metta Forest Monastery, 2002). A detailed explanation of the
Khandhaka training rules.
-
Sisters in Solitude, by Karma Lekshe Tsomo (Albany, NY: SUNY
Press, 1996). A translation of the Mulasarvastivadin and Dharmaguptaka
bhikkhuni Patimokkhas.
-
The Bhikkhuni Patimokkha of the Six Schools, by Chatsumarn
Kabilsingh (Bangkok: Thammasat University, 1991). Comparative look at
the nuns' Patimokkha rules in six Buddhist schools.
-
Book of the Discipline, Vols I-VI, by I.B. Horner (London: Pali
Text Society, 1982). An almost complete (though somewhat archaic)
English translation of the Vinaya Pitaka.
-
With Robes and Bowl, by Bhikkhu Khantipalo (Kandy:
Buddhist Publication Society, 1986). A first-hand glimpse of the way
of life for a meditating forest monk in Thailand.
-
Going Forth: A Call to Buddhist Monkhood, by Sumana Samanera
(Kandy:
Buddhist Publication Society, 1983).
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Update : 01-04-2005
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