Grammatical Analysis
Pāṭidesanīya: [adj.] To be acknowledged; requiring specific confession. Formed by paṭideseti (to confess, acknowledge).
Orthodox Definition
Pāṭidesanīya is a very small, highly specific category containing only four rules for monks (and eight for nuns). These rules deal strictly with the inappropriate acceptance of food.
The rules address situations where a monk accepts food from an unrelated nun in a village, or accepts food from a family that the Saṅgha has designated as “in training” (families whose faith is so strong they give away food even when they are impoverished, requiring the Saṅgha to protect them from their own generosity), or accepting food from dangerous forest dwellings without prior warning.
The confession for these offenses requires a specific, unique formula, distinct from a standard pācittiya confession, acknowledging that the monk has done a “blameworthy and unsuitable thing.”
Textual References
- Vinaya: Suttavibhaṅga (Pāṭidesanīyakaṇḍa) – Highlighting the Buddha’s deep concern for the economic well-being of lay supporters and the physical safety of monks.
- Commentary: Samantapāsādikā – Clarifications on how families are legally designated as “in training” (sekhasammata).