Vinaya Texts

The provided text is the first part of "Vinaya Texts" translated from Pali by T. W. Rhys Davids and Hermann Oldenberg, published by Oxford in 1881. This specific section focuses on key Jain texts related to monastic discipline.

Here's a summary of the content:

Book Title: Vinaya Texts Author(s): T. W. Rhys Davids, Hermann Oldenberg Publisher: Oxford Content: This volume contains the Pātimokkha and the initial chapters (I-IV) of the Mahāvagga.

Summary of the Pātimokkha: The Pātimokkha is presented as the "Words of Disburthenment" or the "Pātimokkha. The Words of Disburthenment." The text outlines the introductory procedures for the half-monthly recitation of rules within the Buddhist monastic order (Sangha). It details the process of confession and self-purification, emphasizing the importance of a clean conscience before the assembly.

The Pātimokkha is then systematically presented, divided into categories of offenses, with each category beginning with an introduction and followed by specific rules:

• Nidāna: The introduction to the Pātimokkha.
• Pārâgikâ Dhammâ (Rules concerning Defeat): Four rules that, if broken, lead to expulsion from the order. These cover acts of carnal knowledge, theft, deprivation of life, and false claims of spiritual accomplishment.
• Samghâdisesâ Dhammâ (Rules requiring Formal Meetings): Thirteen rules, each requiring formal proceedings of the order, related to offenses of varying seriousness, including emission of semen by design, bodily contact with women, addressing women with wicked words, and rules about the construction and use of dwellings.
• Aniyata Dhammâ (Rules concerning Undetermined Matters): Two rules concerning situations where the offense is not definitively categorized and depends on circumstances or the accuser's statement.
• Nissaggiya Pâkittiya Dhammâ (Rules involving Forfeiture): Thirty rules where, in addition to expiation (pākittiya), there is a forfeiture of belongings or status. These cover rules about robes, rugs, bowls, and other monastic requisites.
• Pâkittiya Dhammâ (Rules requiring Expiation): Ninety-two rules covering a wide range of minor offenses that require expiation, including lying, abusive language, sermonizing to women without a man present, digging the ground, destroying vegetables, and various aspects of monastic conduct and etiquette.
• Pâtidesaniya Dhammâ (Rules regarding Matters which ought to be Confessed): Four rules concerning offenses that require direct confession to the order.
• Sekhiya Dhammâ (Rules regarding Matters connected with Discipline): Rules detailing proper conduct and deportment for monks in various situations, such as dressing, walking, eating, and interacting with others. These are presented as disciplines to be observed.
• Adhikarana-samathâ Dhammâ (Rules regarding the Settlement of Cases): Seven rules outlining procedures for resolving disputes and settling cases within the order, including methods like proceedings in presence, for the consciously innocent, by confession, by majority, for the obstinate, and by covering over.

The text concludes with a summary of all the recited Pātimokkha rules and an exhortation for concord and pleasantness within the order.

Summary of the Mahāvagga (Chapters I-IV): The Mahāvagga, meaning "Great Chapter," details the early history and regulations of the Buddhist monastic order, focusing on foundational events and rules.

• First Khandhaka (The Admission to the Order of Bhikkhus): This section recounts the early life of the Buddha after his enlightenment, his initial period of solitude, his contemplation of the Chain of Causation, his decision to preach the Dhamma after being urged by Brahmā Sahampati, and his first discourse (the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta). It then moves into the conversion of the first disciples, including the five Bhikkhus, Yasa and his friends, his father, and his mother and former wife. It also details the ordination process, including the "Ehi Bhikkhu" and "Tisarana" ordinations, and introduces the concept of the Upagghâya (preceptor) and Saddhivihârika (pupil) relationship, outlining their respective duties. Several specific cases are discussed regarding who is eligible for ordination and how ordination should be conferred, addressing issues like age, previous occupations, past offenses, and the required number of Bhikkhus for the ordination ceremony. It concludes with the introduction of the Vassa (rainy season retreat) and the rules surrounding it, as well as the rules for the Pavâranâ ceremony, which marks the end of Vassa.

Overall Significance: This volume provides foundational texts for understanding the early regulations and ethical framework of the Buddhist monastic order. The Pātimokkha serves as the core code of conduct, while the Mahāvagga details the historical context and procedural rules for establishing and maintaining the Sangha. The inclusion of the Pātimokkha's detailed rules highlights the emphasis on discipline, confession, and right conduct within early Buddhism. The Mahāvagga's narrative approach explains the rationale behind many of these rules, often stemming from specific incidents in the Buddha's life and the lives of his early disciples. The collaborative effort of Rhys Davids and Oldenberg in translating and explaining these complex texts is evident, making them accessible to a wider audience interested in early Buddhist history and practice.