Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
by T. W. Rhys Davids | 1881 | 156,382 words
The Mahavagga (part of the Vinaya collection) includes accounts of Gautama Buddha’s and the ten principal disciples’ awakenings, as well as rules for ordination, rules for reciting the Patimokkha during uposatha days, and various monastic procedures....
Mahavagga, Khandaka 1, Chapter 64
1. At that time a certain young man deprived his mother of life. He was grieved, ashamed, and loathed this sinful deed. Now this young man thought: 'What am I to do to get rid of my sinful deed?' Then this young man gave himself this answer: 'These Sakyaputtiya Samaṇas lead indeed a virtuous, tranquil, holy life, &c. If I could obtain pabbajjā with the Sakyaputtiya Samaṇas, I might get rid of my sinful deed.'
2. Then that young man went to the Bhikkhus and asked them for the pabbajjā ordination. The Bhikkhus said to the venerable Upāli: 'Formerly , friend Upāli, a serpent in the shape of a youth received the pabbajjā ordination with the Bhikkhus; pray, friend Upāli, examine this young man.' Then that young man, when examined by the venerable Upāli, told him the whole matter. The venerable Upāli told it to the Bhikkhus; the Bhikkhus told it to the Blessed One.
“Let a person, O Bhikkhus, that is guilty of matricide, if he has not received the upasampadā ordination, not receive it; if he has received it, let him be expelled (from the fraternity).”