BUDDHIST MONASTIC CODE I

Nissaya Chapter 2whom one lives in dependence). With the dependence teacher and Dhammateacher, one must observe all the above duties only as long as one is living independence on him. As for the other two, the Commentary adds that one shouldobserve sections 1-3 as long as both parties are alive and still ordained — although,again, not all Communities follow the Commentary on this point.The Commentary adds that if the mentor already has a pupil performing these dutiesfor him, he may inform his remaining pupils that they need not take them on. Thisexempts them from having to observe them. If he neglects to do this, the pupil whois performing the duties may inform his fellows that he will take responsibility forlooking after the mentor. This also exempts them. Otherwise, they incur a dukkaṭafor every duty they neglect to perform.The mentor's duties to his pupil.1. Furthering the pupil's education, teaching him the Dhamma and Vinayathrough recitation, interrogation, exhortation, and instruction.2. Providing requisites for the pupil. If the pupil lacks any of his basicrequisites, and the mentor has any to spare, he should make up the lack.3. Attending to the pupil's personal needs when he is ill, performing theservices mentioned in section 1 under the pupil's duties to his mentor.4. Assisting the pupil in any problems he may have with regard to theDhamma and Vinaya, performing the services mentioned in section 2 underthe pupil's duties to his mentor.5. Teaching the pupil how to wash, make, and dye robes. If for some reasonthe pupil is unable to handle these skills, the mentor should try to find someway to get these tasks done.6. Caring for the pupil when he falls ill, not leaving him until he eitherrecovers or passes away (Mv.I.26).According to the Commentary, the preceptor, going-forth teacher, and acceptanceteacher must observe these duties toward the pupil as long as both parties are aliveand still ordained. As for the Dhamma and dependence teachers, they must observethese duties only as long as the pupil is living with them.Dismissal. If the pupil does not observe his duties to his mentor, the mentor isempowered to dismiss him. In fact, if the pupil deserves dismissal, the mentorincurs a dukkaṭa if for some reason he does not dismiss him, just as he would fordismissing a pupil who did not deserve it (Mv.I.27.5-8). The grounds for dismissalare any of the following five:1. The pupil has no affection for his mentor — i.e., he shows him nokindness.2. He has no faith in his mentor — i.e., he does not regard him as anexample to follow.3. He has no shame in front of his mentor — i.e., he openly disregards thetraining rules in his mentor's presence.4. He has no respect for his mentor — i.e., he does not listen to what thementor has to say and openly disobeys him.13