Vajjiputtaka, Vajjiputtiya, Vajjiputtakā: 1 definition

Introduction
In Buddhism
1. Theravada
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Introduction:

Vajjiputtaka means something in Buddhism, Pali. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

In Buddhism

Theravada (major branch of Buddhism)

Source: Pali Kanon: Pali Proper Names

The name of a large group of monks belonging to the Vajjian clan and dwelling in Vesali, who, one century after the Buddhas death, brought forward Ten Points (dasa vatthuni) as being permissible for members of the Order. These points are as follows:

The storing of salt in a horn (singilonakappa);
the eating of food when the shadow of the sun had passed two fingers breadth beyond noon (duvangulakappa);
to eat once and then go again to the village for alms (gamantarakappa);
the holding of the uposatha separately by monks dwelling in the same district (avasakappa);
the carrying out of an official act when the assembly is incomplete (anumatikappa);
the following of a practice because it is so done by ones tutor or teacher (acinnakappa);
the eating of sour milk by one who has already had his midday meal (amathitakappa);
the use of strong drink before it has fermented (jalogikappa);
the use of a rug which is not of the proper size (nisidanakappa);
the use of gold and silver (jataruparajatakappa).

The orthodox monks refused to agree to these points, and one of their leaders, Yasa Kakandakaputta, publicly condemned the action of the Vajjiputtakas. Yasa then left Kosambi, and, having summoned monks from Pava in the west and Avanti in the south, sought Sambhuta Sanavasi in Ahoganga. On his advice they sought Soreyya Revata, and together they consulted Sabbakami at Valikarama. In the Council that followed the Ten Points were declared invalid, and this decision was conveyed to the monks. Soon after was held a recital of the Doctrine in which seven hundred monks took part under the leadership of Soreyya Revata. The recital lasted eight months.

The story of the Vajjiputtaka heresy is given in the twelfth chapter of the Cullavagga (Vin.ii.294ff.); the Mhv.iv.9ff. gives more details in certain respects; see also Dpv.iv.48ff.; v.17ff.; 32ff.

It is noteworthy that even during the Buddhas life five hundred monks, described as Vajjiputtaka, seceded from the Order and joined Devadatta though they were later brought back by Sariputta and Moggallana (Vin.ii.199f.). Buddhaghosa actually (Sp.i.228) identifies the heretics as belonging to the same party. For the part played by Yasa Thera see Yasa (2).

The Vajjiputtakas refused to accept the finding of Revatas Council and formed a separate sect, the Mahasanghikas, numbering ten thousand monks, who held a recital of their own.

context information

Theravāda is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

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Search found 11 books and stories containing Vajjiputtaka, Vajjiputtiya, Vajjiputtakā; (plurals include: Vajjiputtakas, Vajjiputtiyas, Vajjiputtakās). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Chapter 2c - The second Buddhist Council

Chapter 5 - The Golden Age and Tradition of Royal Dynasty

Introduction

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Northern Buddhism < [Introduction]

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Part 10 - The Schools of Theravada Buddhism < [Chapter V - Buddhist Philosophy]

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Cullavagga, Khandaka 6, Chapter 11 < [Khandaka 6 - On Dwellings and Furniture]

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Appendix 2 - Notes on the second Buddhist council < [Chapter III - General Explanation of Evam Maya Śruta]

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