Internet Resources:
- The Buddhist Monastic Code, Volume I: The Patimokkha Training Rules Translated and Explained, by Thanissaro Bhikkhu. This book provides an in-depth examination of each of the rules.
- The Buddhist Monastic Code, Volume II: The Khandhaka Training Rules Translated and Explained, by Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Valley Center, CA: Metta Forest Monastery, 2002).
- For an introductory background to the Patimokkha rules, see:
- Introduction to the Patimokkha Training Rules, by Thanissaro Bhikkhu
- The Bhikkhus' Rules -- A Guide for Laypeople: The Theravadin Buddhist Monk's Rules Compiled and Explained, by Bhikkhu Ariyesako.
- Introduction to the Patimokkha Training Rules, by Thanissaro Bhikkhu
- Upatissa-pasine (Mv I.23.5) -- Upatissa's (Sariputta's) Question [Thanissaro Bhikkhu, trans.]. The young Ven. Sariputta asks Ven. Assaji, "What is your teacher's teaching?" Upon hearing the reply, Ven. Sariputta attains the fruit of Stream-entry. (This is one of the suttas selected by King Asoka (r. 270-232 BCE) to be studied and reflected upon frequently by all practicing Buddhists. See That the True Dhamma Might Last a Long Time: Readings Selected by King Asoka , by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.)
- Vinaya-samukkamsa (Mv VI.40.1) -- The Innate Principles of the Vinaya [Thanissaro Bhikkhu, trans.]. The Four Great Standards by which a monk can determine whether an action would or would not be considered allowable by the Buddha. (This is one of the suttas selected by King Asoka (r. 270-232 BCE) to be studied and reflected upon frequently by all practicing Buddhists. See That the True Dhamma Might Last a Long Time: Readings Selected by King Asoka , by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.)
- Kucchivikara-vatthu (Mv VIII.26.1-8) -- The Monk with Dysentery [Thanissaro Bhikkhu, trans.]. In this touching story the Buddha comes across a desperately ill monk who had been utterly neglected by his companions. The Buddha leaps to his aid, and offers a teaching on those qualities that make patients easy (or difficult) to tend to and those that make caregivers fit (or unfit) to tend to their patients.
- Dighavu-kumara Vatthu (Mv X.2.3-20) -- The Story of Prince Dighavu [Thanissaro Bhikkhu, trans.]. This is surely one of the most dramatic stories in the Pali Canon -- a tale of murder, intrigue, and revenge -- which teaches the wisest way to "settle an old score."
- Vatta Khandaka (Cv VIII) -- Collection of Duties [Thanissaro Bhikkhu, trans.]. This chapter concerns the duties that govern the day-to-day life of the bhikkhus. Many of the duties outlined here are more subtle than the strict rules laid out in the Suttavibhanga , and call on the bhikkhus to cultivate a respectful and well-mannered sensitivity to others in the community. Although this text is principally intended for monks, laypeople will find in it many useful hints for the mindful cultivation of good habits and manners, even in the midst of a busy lay life.
