Early Monastic Buddhism v1.c19.s9.4

v1.c19.s9.4

As completeness implied a jurisdiction of the Sangha, rules were framed for defining the limits (*sīmā*) of a Sangha, i.e., of a *Pātimokkha* assembly. Formal selection was made of the spot where the monks were to meet for the purpose of a *Pātimokkha* assembly. Completeness of an assembly implied also the presence of not only all the existing members of an *āvāsa* but also of those who might belong to another *āvāsa* but happened to be present on the Uposatha day within the *sīmā* of that *āvāsa*. There were occasions when the members of an *āvāsa* held an assembly without being assured of the presence of members belonging to another *āvāsa*, but dwelling within the *āvāsa* on the Uposatha day. Rules were prescribed for bonafide mistakes but, as a rule, if the members of another *āvāsa* were larger in number, the assembly had to be held anew.³ When however an assembly was held deliberately to avoid or exclude the incoming members of another *āvāsa*, the members joining the assembly became guilty of either *dukkaṭa* or *thullaccaya* according to the nature of the intention. The bhikkhus, however, were directed not to leave their residence on the Uposatha day except on an urgent business of the Sangha.¹