The
Vinaya Pitaka
Vinaya
Pitaka, Disciplinary and Procedural Rules for the Sangha
The Vinaya Pitaka, the first division of the Tipitaka, is the textual framework
upon which the monastic community (Sangha) is built. The Vinaya
contains the code of rules by which monks and nuns are to conduct
themselves individually (the Patimokkha), as well as the rules and
procedures that support the harmonious functioning of the community
as a whole.
The four divisions
of the Vinaya Pitaka
This section includes the complete
set of rules for the Sangha, along with the "origin story"
for each one. The 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:
II. Khandhaka (Mahavagga)
This includes several sutta-like
texts, including the Buddha's account of the period immediately
following his Awakening, his first sermons to the group of five
monks, and stories about how some of the Buddha's 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.
A recapitulation of the previous
sections, with summaries of the rules classified and re-classified
in various ways for instructional purposes.
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