Vinaya Pitaka is an ancient
Buddhist text containing the code of conduct to be followed by a monk. It contains the rules which assured the smooth functioning of the Buddhist religious order. These rules are collectively termed as
Patimokkha. They basically addressed the ethical concerns regarding the religious order’s moral standards. The book also contains the punishments to be meted out for the violators. Another interesting aspect is the stories behind the origin of each rule.
The rules in the Vinaya Pitaka were formulated by Buddha in response to the various incidents of misbehavior committed by his disciples. The text is divided into 3 major sections. The first is Sutta Vibhaga, which consists of 227 rules for the monks and nuns. This section is related to the social behavior, culture and spirituality. It also gives the reader an insight into the life of ancient India. The second section is called Khandhaka, which contain the minor rules not addressed in Sutta Vibhaga. The third section is Parivar and it mainly contains the works of numerous scholars added over the centuries.
