Local Government in Ancient India c13.97

c13.97

There was also the practice of appointing special committees to deal with difficult or intricate cases which were unfit to be dealt with by the general *saṅgha*. Such a committee or jury or commission was to consist of Bhikkhus ‘possessed of ten qualities’, mental and moral, including proficiency in the tradition and rules of the church as well as capacity to deal with legal questions. An instance of this proceeding is also recorded where ‘the venerable Revata laid a resolution before the *saṅgha* at Vesālī: “Let the venerable *saṅgha* hear me. Whilst we are discussing this legal question, there is both much pointless speaking, and no sense is clear in any single speech. If it seem meet to the *saṅgha*, let the *saṅgha* settle this legal question by referring it to a jury.”¹ Again: “If it seem meet to the *saṅgha*, let the *saṅgha* delegate four Bhikkhus of the east and four Bhikkhus of the west (all named) to settle this question by reference. This is the resolution.” Again: “Let the venerable *saṅgha* hear me. During the inquiry into this matter there has been much pointless talk among us, and the sense in any single utterance is not clear. The *saṅgha* delegates four Bhikkhus of the east and four Bhikkhus of the west to settle this question by reference. Whosoever of the venerable ones approves thereof, let him keep silence. The delegation is made accordingly. The *saṅgha* approves thereof. Therefore it is silent. Thus do I understand."' The *saṅgha* then appointed a Bhikkhu of ten years' standing as seat regulator to the Thera Bhikkhus (the eight referees) who were to take their seats in the order of their seniority. The duty of the seat-regulator (*āsana-praññāpaka*, आसनप्रज्ञापक) was to see that they were provided with the seats they required (usually mats or rugs) in the hall or grove where they met. In the present instance the sub-committee repaired to the Valīka Ārāma, 'a pleasant place, quiet and undisturbed', to 'settle the matter there'.