Vinaya Pitaka :: Monastic Code

Vinaya Pitaka (Unicode: Vinaya Piṭaka, Velthuis: Vinaya Pi.taka) is, literally, the "discipline basket". The word Vinaya means monastic code. This category of texts contains the code of ethics for the Buddha's ordained disciples. There are two sets of Vinaya rules, one each for the monks and the nuns.

The Vinaya Pitaka also contains monastic observances and regulations for all the five groups of ordained disciples. The five groups are

1. Bhikkhu (monk, [ja] 比丘, [zh] 比丘, [zh-tw] 比丘): 227 rules + monastic observances and regulations
2. Bhikkhuni (nun, [ja] 比丘尼, [zh] 比丘尼, [zh-tw] 比丘尼): 311 rules + monastic observances and regulations
3. Samanera (novice monk, [ja] 沙弥, [zh] 沙弥, [zh-tw] 沙彌): 10 precepts + monastic observances and regulations
4. Samaneri (novice nun, [ja] 沙弥尼, [zh] 沙弥尼, [zh-tw] 沙彌尼): 10 precepts + monastic observances and regulations
5. Sikkhamana (nun-to-be, [zh] 式叉摩那, [zh-tw] 式叉摩那): 6 anudhammas + monastic observances and regulations

The order of ordination for men and women are, as follows:

• Man: samanera > bhikkhu
• Woman: samaneri > sikkhamana > bhikkhuni

In addition, the Vinaya Pitaka comprises a section which gives an account of the early history of Buddhism, in particular the formation of the early Sangha.

List of Books

1. Paaraajika
2. Paacittiya
3. Mahaavagga
4. Cuu.lavagga
5. Parivaara

External Links

• Vinaya Pitaka

Revisions:
‣ 2: 2006/01/26 YPOng
‣ 1: 2006/01/02 YPOng
‣ 0: 2005/10/12 YPOng