Patimokkha is a set of rules governing the conduct of a Buddhist monk. This set of rules, numbering to 227, is also known by the name Pratimoksa. The rules are contained in Vinaya Pitaka, an ancient text.
The rules in Patimokkha were formulated by Buddha one after another, in response to certain negative events. The rules were later compiled by his followers into a single text. The basic purpose for the rules was the peaceful and disciplined functioning of the religious community. It also aimed for the removal of pollutants from the present life and their prevention in the next life. Buddha, while formulating the rule, wished for the people’s faith in the religious order. Out of the 227 rules, four were considered most important. Any infringement to these four by a monk resulted in his expulsion from the religious order. Violation of the remaining rules led to a temporary suspension.
The Sutta Vibhanga section of Vinaya Pitaka contains a detailed account of each rule and the corresponding action to be taken on their violation. Additionally, the text also contained the stories behind the origin of the rules. Apart from the 227 major rules, the text also contains several hundred minor rules, which are arranged in a separate section called Khandhakas.
