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Mv IV 25
PTS: Mv IV 17 | CS: vin.mv.04.25
Bhaṇḍanakārakavatthu
The Case of Makers of Quarrels[1]
by
Ven. Khematto Bhikkhu
Alternate translations/layout: 'line by line' Pāḷi - English

(Mv.IV.17.1) [250] Now on that occasion several monks, close friends, entered the Rains at a certain monastery in the Kosalan countryside. Near to them, other monks — makers of quarrels, strife, disputes, dissension, and issues in the Saṅgha — entered the Rains, (thinking,) “When those monks have completed the Rains, at their Invitation, we will cancel their invitations.”

The monks heard that, “Those other monks near us, they say — makers of quarrels, strife, disputes, dissension, and issues in the Saṅgha — have entered the Rains (thinking,) ‘When those monks have completed the Rains, at their Invitation, we will cancel their invitations.’ What should we do?”

They reported the matter to the Blessed One.

(Mv.IV.17.2) “Monks, there is the case where several monks, close friends, enter the Rains at a certain monastery.

“Near to them, other monks — makers of quarrels, strife, disputes, dissension, and issues in the Saṅgha — enter the Rains, (thinking,) “When those monks have completed the Rains, at their Invitation, we will cancel their invitations.”

“Monks, I allow that those monks perform two or three Uposathas on the fourteenth, (thinking,) ‘How could we invite before those (other) monks?’

“If those monks — makers of quarrels, strife, disputes, dissension, and issues in the Saṅgha — come to the residence, the resident monks should quickly gather and invite. Having invited, they should say, ‘Friends, we have invited. May the venerable ones do what they think (is appropriate).’

(Mv.IV.17.3) “If those monks — makers of quarrels, strife, disputes, dissension, and issues in the Saṅgha — come to the residence unannounced, the resident monks should lay out seats, put out washing water for the feet, a foot stand, and a pebble foot wiper. They should go out to meet them, receive their bowls and robes, and ask them if they want drinking water.

Having diverted their attention, they should go outside the territory and invite.[2]

“Having invited, they should say, ‘Friends, we have invited. May the venerable ones do what they think (is appropriate).’

(Mv.IV.17.4) “If that works, well and good. If not, an experienced and competent resident monk should inform the (other) resident monks,

“‘May the resident venerable ones listen to me. If the venerable ones are ready, we will perform the Uposatha; recite the Pāṭimokkha. On the coming dark [new] (moon) we will invite.’

“If those monks — makers of quarrels, strife, disputes, dissension, and issues in the Saṅgha — say to the monks, ‘It would be good, friends, if you were to invite right now, with us,’ then they should be told, ‘Friends, you’re not in charge of our Invitation. We’re not going to invite yet.’

(Mv.IV.17.5) “If those monks — makers of quarrels, strife, disputes, dissension, and issues in the Saṅgha — stay[3] until the coming dark [new] moon, an experienced and competent resident monk should inform the (other) resident monks,

“‘May the resident venerable ones listen to me. If we are ready, we will perform the Uposatha; recite the Pāṭimokkha. On the coming bright [full] moon we will invite.’

“If those monks — makers of quarrels, strife, disputes, dissension, and issues in the Saṅgha — say to the monks, ‘It would be good, friends, if you were to invite right now, with us,’ then they should be told, ‘Friends, you’re not in charge of our Invitation. We’re not going to invite yet.’

(Mv.IV.17.6) “If those monks — makers of quarrels, strife, disputes, dissension, and issues in the Saṅgha — stay even until the coming bright [full] moon, then all should invite on the coming bright moon, of the “water-lily” fourth month, even if they don’t want to.[4]

(Mv.IV.17.7) “Monks, if, as the monks are inviting, a sick monk cancels the invitation of a monk who is not sick, he should be told, ‘The venerable one is sick. It has been said by the Blessed One that one who is sick isn’t up to arguing a case. Wait, friend, until you are well. Being well, if you want to, you can charge him.’

“And if, being told that, he still makes the charge out of disrespect, a pācittiya offense.[5]

(Mv.IV.17.8) “Monks, if, as the monks are inviting, a monk who is not sick cancels the invitation of a sick monk, he should be told, ‘Friend, this monk is sick. It has been said by the Blessed One that one who is sick isn’t up to arguing a case. Wait, friend, until this monk is well. (When he is) well, if you want to, you can charge him.’

“If, being told that, he still makes the charge out of disrespect, a pācittiya offense.[6]

(Mv.IV.17.9) “Monks, if, as the monks are inviting, a sick monk cancels the invitation of (another) sick monk, he should be told, ‘The venerable ones are sick. It has been said by the Blessed One that one who is sick isn’t up to debating. Wait, friend, until you are (both) well. (When you are both) well, if you want to, you can charge him.’

(Mv.IV.17.10) “If, being told that, he still makes the charge out of disrespect, a pācittiya offense.[7]

“Monks, if, as the monks are inviting, a monk who is not sick cancels the invitation of (another) monk who is not sick, then the Saṅgha should cross-question them both and investigate, then deal with them in line with the rule. Then the Saṅgha should invite.”

Notes

1.
See also: BMCII: Chap. 16: Special cases: hostile neighbors
2.
Commentay: “Having diverted their attention”: This means tricking them in this way: “You’re tired. Rest for a moment.”
3.
Apparently this means that they delay their Invitation as well and stay in the area, at their own monastery, not that they stay with the first group of monks for the whole two weeks.
4.
BMCII: Chap. 16: Invitation days.
5.
BMCI: Pc 54, BMCII: Chap. 16: Accusations.
6.
BMCI: Pc 54.
7.
BMCI: Pc 54.
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