BUDDHIST MONASTIC CODE I

Buddhist Monastic Code 17. Covering over as with grass. This refers to situations in which both sides of adispute realize that, in the course of their dispute, they have done much that isunworthy of a contemplative. If they were to deal with one another for their offenses,the result would be greater divisiveness, even to the point of schism. Thus if bothsides agree, all the bhikkhus gather in one place. (According to the Commentary,this means that all bhikkhus in the territory must attend. No one should send hisconsent, and even sick bhikkhus must go.) A motion is made to the entire groupthat this procedure will be followed. One member of each side then makes a formalmotion to the members of his faction that he will make a confession for them. Whenboth sides are ready, the representative of each side addresses the entire groupand makes the blanket confession, using the form of a motion and oneannouncement (ñatti-dutiya-kamma).This clears all offenses except for — 1) any grave fault (p r jika or saṅgh disesa offense, says the Commentary)committed by anyone in the group;2) any offenses dealing with the laity;3) any offenses of any member of either side who does not approve of theprocedure; and4) any offenses of any bhikkhu who does not attend the meeting. (This is thereason for the Commentary's statement that even sick bhikkhus must attend.)(Cv.IV.13.4)Point (3) here is interesting. If any member of either side were to dissent, that wouldinvalidate the whole procedure. This point is thus probably added as a reminder toany bhikkhu who might be vindictive enough to want to deal with his enemies caseby-case,that his offenses will have to be dealt with case-by-case as well. Thismight be enough to discourage him from dissenting.The Commentary explains the name of this procedure by comparing the offensescleared in this way to excrement that has been so thoroughly covered with grassthat it can no longer send an oppressive smell.According to Cv.IV.14 — sections 16, 27, 30, and 34 — the principle of "in thepresence of" applies to all four types of issues: dispute-issues, accusation-issues,offense-issues, and duty-issues. In addition, dispute-issues must be settled "inaccordance with the majority"; accusation-issues, either by a verdict of mindfulness,a verdict of past insanity, or an act of further punishment; and offense-issues, byacting in accordance with what is admitted or by covering them over as with grass.462