Overview
A Theravāda monk cannot participate in the bi-monthly Uposatha recital of the Pāṭimokkha rules if he is harboring an unconfessed disciplinary offense. To restore absolute moral purity before entering the assembly, a monk must execute a strict four-part psychological and legal confession procedure to clear his conscience and reaffirm his monastic commitment.
The List
- Āpattiparikatthana - Identification and Reflection: The monk mentally identifies his specific offense, locating it within the Vinaya code and fully acknowledging his lapse in mindfulness.
- Desanā - Formal Disclosure: The monk approaches a pure, fellow bhikkhu, kneels respectfully, and formally states the exact nature of his offense in the Pāṭi language, bringing the hidden fault into the light.
- Paṭiggahaṇa - Acceptance and Interrogation: The receiving monk verifies the confession, acknowledges the declaration, and instructs the confessing monk to maintain vigilance.
- Vodāna - Restored Purity and Restraint: The monk formally promises to exercise strict, unflagging restraint (āyatiṃ saṃvara) over his senses in the future, leaving the confession moment with a cleared, purified conscience.
Textual References
- Canonical: Mahāvagga (Vinaya Piṭaka) – The Buddha details the absolute necessity of revealing offenses, stating that a hidden fault blocks all spiritual progress, while a disclosed fault leads to restoration.