Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
by I. B. Horner | 2014 | 386,194 words | ISBN-13: 9781921842160
The English translation of the Khandhaka: the second book of the Pali Vinaya Pitaka, one of the three major ‘baskets’ of Therevada canonical literature. It is a collection of various narratives. The English translation of the Vinaya-pitaka (third part, khandhaka) contains many Pali original words, but transliterated using a system similar to the I...
The story of a debtor
Kd.1.46.1 Now at that time a certain man, a debtor, having run away, came to have gone forth among the monks. The creditors, having seen (him), spoke thus: “This is our very debtor. Come along, let us bring him (back).[1]” Some spoke thus: “Do not, masters, speak thus, for it is decreed by King Seniya Bimbisāra of Magadha: ‘There is nothing to do against those who go forth among the recluses, sons of the Sakyans. Well preached is dhamma, let them fare the Brahma-faring for making an utter end of ill’.” People … spread it about, saying:
“These recluses, sons of the Sakyans are safe and secure; there is nothing to do against them. But how can they let a debtor go forth?” They told this matter to the Lord. He said:
“Monks, a debtor should not be let go forth. Whoever should let (one such) go forth, there is an offence of wrong-doing.”