Early Monastic Buddhism v2.c29.s2.1

v2.c29.s2.1

It has been already mentioned in connection with the episode of Devadatta¹ that Buddha allowed a certain amount of latitude to his disciples in the observance of Vinaya rules. He laid more emphasis on mental than on physical discipline. In his discussion with Upāli, a disciple of Nigaṇṭha Nāṭaputta, he pointed out that he considered *manodaṇḍa* as more important than kāyadaṇḍa in spiritual culture.¹ In the *Mahāparinibbāna-sutta*, his direction regarding the abrogation of minor disciplinary rules clearly revealed his viewpoint in regard to external discipline.² In short, in his estimation, *paññā* and *citta* practices were far more important than *sīla* observance.³ He realised the value of the latter for the new adepts but it was not the all and end all of his scheme of culture. From the history of the growth of the Vinaya code⁴ it will be observed how he made concessions after concessions for the physical comforts of his disciples. His code was not a hard and fast one. He made exceptions in favour of the bhikkhus who were placed at a disadvantage by reason of the locality in which they resided. In the border countries (*paccantima janapada*) such as Avantī, the converts were few and intractable, hence, Buddha at the request of Kaccāyana and Puṇṇa Mantāṇiputta made some exceptions in their favour in regard to the rules for the formation of an assembly for ordaining monks, and the use of leather-made shoes and other articles, prohibited to the bhikkhus dwelling in the Middle country.⁵