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In the present MSS. The Vinaya Pitaka is divided into the five books: Paragika, Pakittiya, Mahavagga, Kullavagga and Parivara-patha.These books constitute that part of the sacred literature of Buddhists which contains the regulations for the outward life of the members of the Buddhist Samgha nearly the oldest and probably the most influential of all fraternities of monks. The Patimokkha the meaning of the name will be discussed later on seems to have owed its existence to the ancient Indian custom of holding sacred two periods in each month the times of the Full Moon and of the New Moon. Mahavagga contains ten chapters: The first chapter is simply called the great chapter; it starts with a narrative beginning immediately after the Buddha`s enlightenment. The second deals with the recitation of the Patimokkha, which is to take place every half month (at new and full moons) wherever there is a quorum of four monks. Then comes provision for the retreat for three months in the rainy season, when monks are supposed to stay in one place except for specified reasons. at the end of the retreat they must invite their colleagues to say if they have any criticisms of their behaviour. The fifth chapter is called the chapter on hides and deals with various topics. The next chapter is on medicines; a passage authorizing inhalation of smoke through a tube is used by some modern monks to justify smoking. The next chapter is called kathina, the process of making monastic robes, but is in fact about the exemptions granted monks from certain rules in consequence of this. robe material. Kullavagga contains twelve chapters: the first deals with various procedures to be followed in dealing with badly behaved monks. The next deals with probation for monks guilty of certain offences (see Suttavibhanga). The next chapter deals with the case where a monk on probation commits a further offence. explanation of the seven rules for settling disputes.
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ISBN : 9788121229661
Pages : 454
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