Grammatical Analysis
Kaṅkhāvitaraṇī: [f.] The Overcomer of Doubt; The Dispeller of Uncertainty. Formed by kaṅkhā (doubt, uncertainty) + vitaraṇī (overcoming, crossing over).
Orthodox Definition
The Kaṅkhāvitaraṇī is Venerable Buddhaghosa’s specialized commentary dedicated exclusively to the Pātimokkha (the bare code of 227 rules for monks and 311 rules for nuns).
While the Samantapāsādikā covers the entire massive Vinaya Piṭaka, the Kaṅkhāvitaraṇī serves as a highly concentrated, rapid-reference manual specifically for the fortnightly recitation days (uposatha). It provides precise definitions of key terms, explains exactly what constitutes a breach of a rule, and outlines the correct method for confessing offenses. By clearly defining the boundaries of monastic behavior, it fulfills its title by removing all “doubt” from the minds of the monastics regarding their purity.
Textual References
- Subject Matter: Exegetical analysis of the Bhikkhu-Pātimokkha and Bhikkhunī-Pātimokkha.