Buddha: His Life, his Doctrine, his Order c10.t1.6

c10.t1.6

By the light of a torch the monks take their places in the place of assembly on the low seats prepared for them. No layman, no novice, no nun may be present, for the law of the Order, which is now to be recited in the form of a confessional formula, is regarded as a reserved possession of the monks alone.* This confessional formula, the liturgy Pâtimokkha ("unburdening"), the oldest of the brethren, or he who otherwise able and qualified, now recites with a loud voice:—