Lzh Mg Bu Vb Pc 47Obstructions and a Novice

– MAHĀSĀṂGHIKA VINAYA

– PĀCITTIYA OFFENSES

– DETAILED EXPLANATION OF THE SIXTH SECTION OF THE 92 SINGLE EXPIATION RULES.

47. RULE: CONCEALING ANOTHER'S OFFENSE.

When the Buddha was residing in the city of Śrāvastī, as described at length above. At that time, the bhikkhu Ariṭṭha had not abandoned his evil view; after the Saṃgha had performed the act of censure against him, he went to the Venerable Nanda and Upananda. Upon seeing him, those two praised him, saying: "Welcome! Come in," and rose to receive him, offered him a seat and water to wash his feet, provided oil to anoint his feet, water to drink at an unseasonable hour, showed him his room, bedding, and furnishings for lying down, and shared with him both the Dhamma food and material food.

Thereafter, the bhikkhu Ariṭṭha went before the gate of the Jetavana monastery and said to the bhikkhus: "Venerable elders, did you think that after performing the act of censure against bhikkhu Ariṭṭha I would have no place to stay? I have still been received by bhikkhus of pure conduct, given a room, bed, bedding, and furnishings for lying down, and have shared in both the Dhamma food and material food. The sooner you perform the censure, the sooner I obtain such a good place to stay."

The bhikkhus heard this and felt ashamed and displeased. They then brought the matter to the Blessed One. The Buddha accordingly ordered that Nanda and the others be summoned.

When they had come, the Buddha asked Nanda: "Did this matter truly happen as described?"

He replied: "It truly did, Blessed One."

—That is a bad thing. Why, knowing that the Saṃgha had already performed the act of censure, did you still share Dhamma food and material food with him? This is contrary to the Dhamma, contrary to the Vinaya, and contrary to my teaching; such conduct cannot be used to nurture wholesome qualities.

Thereupon, the Buddha instructed all the bhikkhus residing in the city of Śrāvastī to assemble, and for the sake of ten benefits he established this rule for bhikkhus; even those who have already heard it must hear it again:

—If a bhikkhu, knowing that another bhikkhu holds an evil view and has not abandoned it, and that the Saṃgha has performed the act of censure against him, and that it has not yet been dissolved in accordance with the Dhamma, nevertheless shares food and lodging in the same dwelling with him, he commits a Pācittiya offense.

Explanation

Bhikkhu: As stated above.

Knowing: Whether one knows by oneself or has heard from another.

Evil view: Such as Ariṭṭha's slandering of the suttas.

Not yet dissolved in accordance with the Dhamma: The Saṃgha has not yet lifted the act of censure.

Sharing food: Sharing in both Dhamma food and material food.

Sharing lodging: Dwelling within the same boundary.

Same dwelling: Living in the same house with the same walls and the same roof.

Pācittiya: As stated above.

If a bhikkhu has been reproved by his preceptor or teacher, another bhikkhu must not entice him, saying: "I will provide you with robes, bowl, medicine, bedding, and furnishings; you should stay near me and study and recite the scriptures." If, upon reflection, one perceives that the situation of that bhikkhu will certainly lead him to abandon the training and return to lay life, one should console and instruct him as follows: "You should know that the kindness of your preceptor and teacher is profound and weighty, and most difficult to repay. You should return and live in closeness with them." Speaking in this way is without offense.

If one who has been censured thinks he has not been censured, and shares lodging and food with others, he commits a Vinaya offense.

If one who has not been censured thinks he has been censured, and shares lodging and food with them, he commits a Vinaya offense.

If one who has been censured thinks they have been censured, and shares lodging and food with them, he commits a Pācittiya offense.

If one who has not been censured thinks he has not been censured, and shares lodging and food with them, there is no offense.

Therefore it is said (as above).

Vietnamese translation: Thích Phước Sơn. MAHĀSĀṂGHIKA VINAYA

Chinese translation: TRIPIṬAKA MASTER BUDDHABHADRA OF INDIA

TOGETHER WITH ŚRAMAṆA FAXIAN, TRANSLATED DURING THE EASTERN JIN DYNASTY

DOCTRINAL VERIFICATION: THÍCH ĐỖNG MINH