Vinaya-pitaka

Buddhist scripture; the first and oldest part of the Tripitaka, the canon of the Buddha's teachings. The Vinaya-pitaka covers the rules that should govern monks and nuns in the running of monasteries. It explains the need for peaceful co-existence, support for the sick, the giving of charity, rules for pupils and teachers, and the ways to conduct ceremonies. The types of conduct governed by the Vinaya-pitaka range from minor incidents to murder, with appropriate punishments. It also lists the possessions a monk is allowed to have, including a string of prayer beads, a bowl for food, a walking stick, a razor, a needle, a net for straining water, a belt, and a robe.