Grammatical Analysis
Nissaggiya: [adj.] To be forfeited; requiring relinquishment. From nissajjati (to give up, to forfeit). Pācittiya: [nt.] Expiation; an offense requiring confession.
Orthodox Definition
Nissaggiya Pācittiya is a category of 30 rules in the monastic code dealing exclusively with the improper acquisition, hoarding, or usage of material requisites—specifically robes, alms bowls, medicines, and money (gold and silver).
When a monk violates one of these rules (for example, keeping an extra robe for more than ten days without determining it, or accepting money), he cannot simply confess the offense to another monk. He must first physically forfeit the illicitly gained object to the Saṅgha, a group of monks, or an individual monk. Only after the object has been legally relinquished is he permitted to confess the pācittiya offense and clear his conscience. In many cases (except with money), the item is then formally returned to him by the Saṅgha.
Textual References
- Vinaya: Suttavibhaṅga (Nissaggiyakaṇḍa) – The dense rules regulating the economic and material life of the monastic order, ensuring poverty and lack of hoarding.
- Commentary: Samantapāsādikā – Detailed formulas for how to forfeit items and how the Saṅgha must process the forfeited goods.