Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
by T. W. Rhys Davids | 1881 | 156,382 words
The Mahavagga (part of the Vinaya collection) includes accounts of Gautama Buddha’s and the ten principal disciples’ awakenings, as well as rules for ordination, rules for reciting the Patimokkha during uposatha days, and various monastic procedures....
Mahavagga, Khandaka 1, Chapter 35
1, 2. At that time ignorant, unlearned Bhikkhus (who said), 'We have completed ten years (since our upasampadā), we have completed ten years,' gave a nissaya (i.e. they received young Bhikkhus as their antevāsikas); (thus) ignorant ācariyas were found and clever antevāsikas; unlearned ācariyas were found and learned antevāsikas; ācariyas were found who had small knowIedge, and antevāsikas who had great knowledgc; foolish ācariyas were found and wise antevāsikas. The moderate Bhikkhus were annoyed (&c., as in chap. 31, 7, 8).
'Let no ignorant, unlearned Bhikkhu, O Bhikkhus, give a nissaya. If he does, he is guilty of a dukkaṭa offence. I prescribe, O Bhikkhus, that only a learned, competent Bhikkhu who has completed ten years, or more than ten years, may give a nissaya.