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PÂTIMOKKHA.
In respect of them I ask the venerable ones, 'Are you pure in this matter?'
A second time I ask, “Are you pure in this matter?'
A third time I ask, “Are you pure in this matter?'
The venerable ones are pure herein. Therefore do they keep silence. Thus I understand.
Here endeth the recitation of the Pârâgikas.
form to be used, when the Pâtimokkha cannot be recited in full, and all the remaining Rules are to be omitted. According to Mahavagga II, 15, 1, 4 this abridged recital may be used in certain cases of danger.
On Yath â pure tatha pakkhâ there is no explanation in the Old Commentary. The phrase probably means that the Bhikkhu is irrevocably defeated. He must remain for ever in the condition (of permanent exclusion from the Order) into which he has brought himself.
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