Chulavagga 4.9

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Adapted from the Translation by T. W. Rhys Davids and Hermann Oldenberg

CHULAVAGGA (THE MINOR SECTION)

FOURTH KHANDHAKA (THE SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES AMONG THE FRATERNITY)

Chapter-9.

Now at that time the Bhikkhus in Chapter-(Sangha) assembled, since they became violent, quarrelsome, and disputatious, and kept on wounding one another with sharp words, were unable

to settle the disputed question (that was brought before them).

They told this matter to the Lord Buddha.

'I allow you, O Bhikkhus, to settle such a dispute by the vote of the majority. A Bhikkhu who shall be possessed of five qualifications shall be appointed as taker of the voting tickets--one who does not walk in partiality, one who does not walk in malice, one who does not walk in folly, one who does not walk in fear, one who knows what (votes) have been taken and what have not been taken.

'And thus shall he be appointed.

'First the Bhikkhu is to be requested (whether he will undertake the office). Then some able and discreet Bhikkhu is to bring the matter before the Sangha, saying,

'"Let the venerable Sangha hear me. If the time seems meet to the Sangha, let the Sangha appoint a Bhikkhu of such and such a name as taker of the voting tickets.

'"This is the motion (natti).

'"Let the venerable Sangha hear me. The Sangha appoints a Bhikkhu of such and such a name as taker of the tickets. Whosoever of the venerable ones approves of the Bhikkhu of such and such a name being appointed as taker of the

tickets, let him keep silence. Whosoever approves not of that, let him speak. The Bhikkhu of such and such a name is appointed by the Sangha as taker of the voting tickets. Therefore is it silent. Thus do I understand.'"