Vinaya Texts, Part I: The Pātimokkha, The Mahāvagga, I–IV

Introduction to the Vinaya Texts from the Pāli: Explains the Vinaya Piṭaka, the structure of Buddhist disciplinary literature, the antiquity and function of the Pātimokkha, the role of confession, and the formation of Vinaya textual traditions. The Pātimokkha — Nidāna: Introductory formula for the Uposatha recitation and declaration of purity. The Pārājika Rules: Four rules concerning offences that result in defeat and exclusion from communion. The Saṅghādisesa Rules: Thirteen rules requiring formal communal procedures, probation, penance, and reinstatement. The Aniyata Rules: Two rules concerning undetermined cases involving a monk and a woman in private circumstances. The Nissaggiya Pācittiya Rules: Thirty rules involving forfeiture, especially concerning robes, bowls, medicine, valuables, and property. The Pācittiya Rules: Ninety-two rules requiring expiation, covering speech, conduct, food, relations with nuns and laypeople, discipline, travel, and monastic decorum. The Pāṭidesanīya Rules: Four rules concerning matters that must be confessed. The Sekhiya Rules: Training rules on deportment, dress, eating, teaching the Dhamma, and public conduct. The Adhikaraṇa-samatha Rules: Rules for the settlement of legal and disciplinary disputes within the Saṅgha. The Mahāvagga, First Khandhaka — The Admission to the Order of Bhikkhus: Presents procedures and narratives concerning ordination and admission into the monastic community. The Mahāvagga, Second Khandhaka — The Uposatha Ceremony and the Pātimokkha: Describes the Uposatha observance and recitation of the disciplinary code. The Mahāvagga, Third Khandhaka — Residence during the Rainy Season: Explains rules concerning the rains residence. The Mahāvagga, Fourth Khandhaka — The Pavāraṇā Ceremony: Presents the ceremony concluding the rains residence, including mutual invitation for admonition.