Verified
Grammatical Analysis
Pācittiya: [nt.] Expiation; an offense that must be confessed. Etymology implies “that which causes the mind to fall” (from wholesome states).
Orthodox Definition
The Pācittiya category constitutes the largest section of the monks’ disciplinary code, containing 92 rules (166 for nuns). These offenses are considered light compared to Pārājika or Saṅghādisesa, but they still represent a breach of monastic purity.
These rules govern daily behavior, speech, interactions with laypeople and nuns, traveling, eating, and the use of communal property. Examples include deliberately lying, digging the earth, destroying plants, drinking alcohol, eating after midday, and teaching Dhamma to someone holding an umbrella.
To clear a Pācittiya offense, the monk merely needs to formally confess it to another pure monk, promising restraint in the future. This act of confession instantly rehabilitates him.
Quote
Uddiṭṭhā kho, āyasmanto, dvenavuti pācittiyā dhammā.
Venerables, these ninety-two pācittiya training rules have been recited.Tatthāyasmante pucchāmi – ‘‘kaccittha parisuddhā’’?
I ask the Venerables concerning them: “Are you pure in this regard?”Dutiyampi pucchāmi – ‘‘kaccittha parisuddhā’’?
A second time I ask: “Are you pure in this regard?”Tatiyampi pucchāmi – ‘‘kaccittha parisuddhā’’?
A third time I ask: “Are you pure in this regard?”Parisuddhetthāyasmanto, tasmā tuṇhī, evametaṃ dhārayāmīti.
The Venerables are pure in this regard, therefore silence prevails. Thus I hold it.— Pācittiyapāḷi
Textual References
- Vinaya: Suttavibhaṅga (Pācittiyakaṇḍa) – A massive array of rules addressing the practical friction of communal living and public relations.
- Commentary: Samantapāsādikā – Detailing the exact phrasing for valid confession and the nuances of unintentional violations.