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**The Conduct Sutra**
"O Bhagavan! I have consumed a transgression with such and such a Sadhu due to such and such a reason." (Upon hearing this) one should ask the other Sadhu, "Are you a *pratisevi* or an *apratisevi*?" If he says, "I am a *pratisevi*," then he is eligible for atonement. If he says, "I am not a *pratisevi*," then he is not eligible for atonement, and one should make a decision based on whatever evidence he provides.
**Question:** O Bhagavan! What is the reason for saying this?
**Answer:** The atonement depends on the truthful statement of the *bhikshus* who have taken the vow of truth.
**Discussion:** If a *bhiksu* finds out while wandering and criticizes another *Sadhu* by saying that he has consumed a transgression, then this statement may be motivated by hatred towards the other *Sadhu* or by a desire to make him appear inferior in the *dikshaparaya*. Therefore, he makes a false accusation and pretends to be guilty himself in order to prove his accusation true. The commentator has also said that he may even admit to sexual misconduct with himself and other *bhikshus* while criticizing. In this way, he wants to defame the other *Sadhu* by deceit.
In such a situation, the scriptural scholar has given the following measures for making a wise decision:
The *geetarth* *bhiksu* who hears the criticism should not make any decision until he has obtained complete information from the other *bhiksu*. If, upon questioning, the other *bhiksu* does not admit to consuming the transgression and provides some explanation, then he should listen carefully. Thereafter, one should inquire about the place (field) of the transgression or the person involved in the transgression from the accuser. Then, one should make a decision after carefully considering the statements and evidence of both. If there is no strong evidence, then the *bhiksu* who denies the transgression should not be given any atonement. Whether the accuser has consumed the transgression or not, he is liable for atonement for making a false accusation.
If the critic is speaking the truth, but the other *bhiksu* does not admit his fault and the critic cannot prove it, then the one who denies the fault cannot be given any atonement. This is because *bhikshus* are bound by the vow of truth. Therefore, atonement can only be given if he admits it himself. He cannot be given atonement simply on the basis of someone else's statement without evidence.
The critic must prove the truth of his statement, and the *geetarth* atonement giver must understand the truth of the evidence and the *bhiksu* involved must admit the fault, only then is atonement given. If, even after the fault is proven, the *bhiksu* involved does not admit it, then the atonement giver should seek the advice of other *geetarth* *bhikshus* of the *gachchha*.