Hindu Polity: A Constitutional History of India in Hindu Times c19.13

c19.13

After this the mover moved the matter in the form of a resolution (Pratijñā) to be adopted by the Saṁgha. All those who approved of the resolution were asked to remain silent, and those who would not approve were required to speak. In some cases the resolution was repeated thrice and then, if the assembly remained silent, it was declared as carried, and the party affected was formally informed of the resolution. I give below some instances from the Vinaya Piṭaka to illustrate the above description