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Level 2 suttānuloma refers to the Four Great Standards, the foundational principles. Consulting scholarly
as said thus by the Buddha in Vinaya Mahāvagga: works and engaging in discussions with seasoned
Bhikkhus, whatever I have not objected to, saying, “This practitioners and scholars enriches our understanding.
is not allowable,” if it fits in with what is not allowable, Additionally, considering the intentions behind the
if it goes against what is allowable, that is not allowable rules and their adaptability to diverse cultural contexts
for you. [E.g. paper money, cheques, credit cards.] aids in discerning relevance. Ultimately, maintaining
mindfulness, humility, and a commitment to ethical
Whatever I have not objected to, saying, “This is not conduct guides us in aligning our interpretation of the
allowable,” if it fits in with what is allowable, if it goes Vinaya rules with the timeless wisdom of the Buddha’s
against what is not allowable, that is allowable for you. teachings.
[E.g. robes and footwear made of artificial materials,
artificial dye, tent, sleeping bags.] Tsepal: There are several ways to do this and different
people and groups will come to different conclusions
And whatever I have not permitted, saying, “This is regarding this. Within different Buddhist traditions
allowable,” if it fits in with what is not allowable, if it and even within the same tradition, some will keep
goes against what is allowable, that is not allowable for the precepts more literally, while others observe the
you. [E.g. watching entertainment on TV, reading erotic intention or deeper meaning behind each precept.
novels, smoking for pleasure.] As with all Dharma, if our motivation is sincere and
virtuous, the outcome will be beneficial.
And whatever I have not permitted, saying, “This is
allowable,” if it fits in with what is allowable, if it goes Comparative studies have found the number and
against what is not allowable, that is allowable for meaning of the precepts in the extant vinayas to be very
you. [E.g. stationery, laptop for Dhamma studies and similar with only minor differences. Monastics today

propagation, alarm clock, spectacles.] rely on the lineage of Vinaya masters and elders in their
own tradition to understand the intent behind each
This list of criteria establishes the hierarchy of authority precept and how to live in harmony with it. Reading
to be followed when deciding on various interpretations the origin stories and knowing the circumstances and
of the Vinaya. The highest and final authority is still motivations of a precept refines our understanding
what is directly stated in the Vinaya Piṭaka, although of the meaning of each precept. We can also check if
in cases of grey areas not dealt with there, the other holding a precept in a certain way furthers our ethical
subsidiary authorities can be resorted to. conduct, conscientiousness, and harmony within the
sangha.
It should be noted that the 3rd level of authority,
ācariyavāda, refers ONLY to the interpretations of the How does the interpretation and application of
500 elders who convened at the first ‘Council’. This the Vinaya differ across Mahāyāna, Theravāda, and
shows that this hierarchy of authority was established Vajrayāna traditions, and what commonalities exist
at a very early stage since the interpretations of other in their understanding of its relevance to the laity?
teachers after that first ‘Council’ were not considered
as Level 3 but placed at the lowest level of attanomati Aggacitta: I’m not an expert in Vinaya interpretations

(personal opinion). and practices outside of the Theravāda tradition, so I’m
in no position to comment in detail. However, from what
Min Wei: Ensuring the relevance of our interpretation little I know, the Vajrayāna uses the Sarvastivāda Vinaya
of the Vinaya rules to the Buddha’s teachings involves while the Chinese Mahāyāna uses a combination of
a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, we delve deeply whatever they could get from ancient India. In addition
into the original texts and historical context to grasp both also use the bodhisattva precepts. Theoretically,