EAP756/1/130/3

Kammavācās are monastic ritual formulas recited on specific occasions, such as the ordination of a new monk, formal instruction of a newly ordained monk about the basics of monastic discipline, consecration of an ordination hall, etc. Formal recitation and silent approval of assembled monks signifies important status transitions for persons requesting such recitation or for property that requires ritual clearance for proper monastic use. The scope of kammavācā manuscripts varied from one section (i.e. a single purpose) to multiple (and, thus, multiple-purpose) ones. Suddhanta kammavācā is a collection of formulas recited for the purposes of undertaking and setting aside "probation", "conciliation", as well as for "re-admission" of monks guilty of several identical saṃghādisesa offences (offences that entail temporary exclusion from the saṃgha), some of which were forgotten and some of which were not. This kammavācā collection was copied with colophons separating the formulas.

Extent and format of original material: 3 files.