འདལ་བ་གཞ 3.4

3.4

A monk will be guilty of a breach if he pledges silence. Moreover, a monk who has pledged to settle for the rains should lift restrictions on the saṅgha regarding the three grounds of what has been seen, heard, or suspected.”

Appointing the Director of Lifting Restrictions

The Blessed One had declared, “A monk who has pledged to settle for the rains should lift restrictions on the saṅgha regarding the three grounds of what has been seen, heard, or suspected,” but the monks did not know how to lift restrictions. So, the Blessed One said, “If a lifting of restrictions is to be performed in seven or eight days,⁴¹ those in the surrounding towns should be informed that on such and such a day the restrictions on the saṅgha will be lifted.

“Those monks who have taken a support⁴² should energetically prepare ceremonial offerings at the stūpa and the circumambulation path around the stūpa; they should clean and decorate the perfumed sanctuary.⁴³ Boarding and resident monks⁴⁴ should sweep, sprinkle water over, and spread a fresh paste of dung over the floor of the monastery. Rich goods should be offered to the saṅgha.⁴⁵ Monks who uphold the sūtras, the vinaya, or the mātṛkā should explain the Dharma throughout the night.⁴⁶ If they know they will not be able to perform the lifting of restrictions until dawn, they should note the time and do as they please.

“Then⁴⁷ one, two, or several monks should be appointed to direct the lifting of restrictions.⁴⁸ For a monk who is to direct the lifting of restrictions, there are five factors that may pertain such that someone not already appointed should not be appointed, and if already appointed should be relieved of that position. What are those five factors? To be driven by desire, driven by aggression, driven by ignorance, driven by fear, and not to know a proper from an improper lifting of restrictions. If these five factors pertain to someone not already appointed to direct the lifting of restrictions, he should not be appointed, and if already appointed should be relieved of that position.