Vinaya Texts

SR No.: 007684
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: T W Rhys Davids, Hermann Oldenberg
Publisher: Oxford
Publication Year: 1881
Total Pages: 2523
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 47 MB

Page 327

284
MAHÂVAGGA.
II, 27, 5.
5. In case, O Bhikkhus, there be a Bhikkhu who feels doubt with regard to an offence, while Pâtimokkha is being recited, &c. ($S 2, 4).
6. At that time the whole Samgha in a certain residence was guilty of a common offence on the day of Uposatha. Now these Bhikkhus thought: 'The Blessed One has prescribed that offences (shared by many Bhikkhus) are not to be confessed in common, and that the common confession of such offences is not to be accepted. Now this whole Samgha is guilty of a common offence. What are we to do ?' They told this thing to the Blessed One.
In case, O Bhikkhus, the whole Samgha in a certain residence is guilty of a common offence on the day of Uposatha ; let those Bhikkhus, O Bhikkhus, send instantly one Bhikkhu to the neighbouring residence of Bhikkhus (saying), “Go, friend, and come back when you have atoned for that offence (for yourself); we will (then) atone for the offence before you."
7. 'If they succeed in this way, well and good. If they do not succeed, let a learned, competent Bhikkhu proclaim the following ñatti before the Samgha : “Let the Samgha, reverend Sirs, hear me. This whole Samgha is guilty of a common offence. When it shall see another pure, guiltless Bhikkhu, it will atone for the offence before him.” (One of the Bhikkhus) having spoken thus, let them hold Uposatha and recite the Pâtimokkha. But in no case must there be any hindrance to holding U posatha from such a cause.
8. 'In case, O Bhikkhus, the whole Samgha in a certain residence feels doubt with regard to a
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