BUDDHIST MONASTIC CODE I

Adhikaraṇa-samatha Chapter 11Step 3: If the matter is still unsettled by the time they reach the second monastery,they should ask the resident bhikkhus there to help settle the matter. The residentbhikkhus should then meet and consider among themselves whether they arecompetent to do so. If they feel they aren't, they shouldn't take it on. If they feelthey are, they should then ask the incoming bhikkhus how the dispute arose. (TheCommentary here adds that the residents should first stall for two or three days —saying that they have to wash their robes or fire their bowls first — as a way ofsubduing the pride of the incoming bhikkhus.)Once the resident bhikkhus have asked the history of the dispute, the incomingbhikkhus are to say that if the resident bhikkhus can settle the dispute, they (theincoming bhikkhus) will hand it over to them; if they can't settle it, the incomingbhikkhus will still be in charge of the matter.If the resident bhikkhus can then settle the dispute, it is properly settled.Step 4: If they can't settle it in this way — and, in the words of the Canon, "endlessdisputes arise, and there is no discerning the meaning of a single statement" — thedisputants should, with a motion and announcement, hand the matter over to apanel of experts (§). The Commentary recommends a panel of ten. Each member ofthe panel must, in brief, meet the following qualifications: 1) He is virtuous, abiding scrupulously by the rules of the Vinaya, seeingdanger in the slightest faults. 2) He is learned in all teachings dealing with the complete celibate life,understanding them thoroughly. 3) He has memorized both the Bhikkhu and the Bhikkhun P ṭimokkhas indetail, understanding them thoroughly. 4) He is shrewd in his knowledge of the Vinaya and is not easily led off-track. 5) He is competent at placating and reconciling both sides of a dispute. 6) He is skilled at settling an issue. 7) He knows what constitutes an issue. 8) He knows how an issue arises (i.e., through skillful or unskillful states ofmind). 9) He knows when an issue is ended. 10) He knows the way leading to the ending of an issue. (Notice that theselast four qualifications are similar in form to knowledge of the four NobleTruths.)The Commentary notes that while the panel is discussing the issue, none of theother bhikkhus is to speak. If the panel can settle the issue, it is properly settled andshould not be reopened.465