Vinaya — Monastic rules

by Hla Min

Updated : Aug 2025

Training Rules

• The Viniya (monastic rules of conduct) describes 227 rules.
• The offenses range from irremediable, heavy, to light.

4 Parajika (Irremediable) Offenses

They are heavy offenses for which there is no remedy.

• Sexual act
• Stealing
• Killing any human being
• False statement about supernormal attainment

The penalty is ex-communication from the Sangha of monks.

13 Samghadiesa (Heavy) Offenses

• Heavy offense that must be dealt by Sangha meetings
• Must undergo probation and penance imposed by the Sangha to receive rehabilitation

Light Offenses

2 Indefinite rules

• No fixed penalties for the transgressions
• However, there are procedures by which the Sangha may assess appropriate punishment

30 rules entailing expiation with forfeiture

• forfeit something as a penalty

92 rules entailing expiation [without forfeiture]

4 rules entailing confession

75 monastic rules of discipline

• minor precepts regulating the conduct of the novice or the monk
• mode of dress, deportment, eating, …

7 dispute-settlements

Posts

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• Sutta သုတ္တန်
• Tipitaka တိပိဋက
• Vinaya ဝိနည်း