In the context of early Buddhist monasticism, what does the term “Patimokkha” refer to?

Introduction / Context:
This question deals with Buddhist religious practice and monastic discipline. The term “Patimokkha” (Pātimokkha) is central to understanding how early Buddhist monks and nuns regulated their conduct within the Sangha (monastic community). It is regularly recited and forms a key component of the Vinaya Pitaka, which contains rules and procedures for monastic life.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The term under discussion is “Patimokkha.”
• We are working within the context of Buddhism and monastic life.
• Options: a description of Mahayana, a description of Hinayana, the rules of the Sangha, the questions of King Menander.
• We assume standard definitions from Buddhist studies.

Concept / Approach:
The Patimokkha is essentially a code of disciplinary rules recited during regular monastic gatherings. It lists rules of conduct for monks (and a corresponding version for nuns) covering offences, proper behaviour, and procedures for confession. It is, therefore, a core part of the monastic discipline or Vinaya, not a doctrinal description of Mahayana or Hinayana Buddhism, nor a collection of philosophical questions like those attributed to King Menander (Milinda Panha). Hence, it is correctly understood as the rules of the Sangha.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise that Patimokkha appears in the Vinaya Pitaka, which is about discipline, not doctrine. Step 2: Recall that it consists of a set of precepts or rules recited regularly by monks and nuns. Step 3: Understand that these rules guide the behaviour of the Sangha and lay down standards and punishments for violations. Step 4: Compare this with the options and note that “the rules of the Sangha” matches this description exactly. Step 5: Select “The rules of the Sangha” as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Buddhist studies references typically define Patimokkha as “the basic code of monastic discipline in Theravada Buddhism,” consisting of many rules for monks and nuns. The text Milinda Panha (“Questions of King Menander”) is a separate document of philosophical dialogue between King Menander and the monk Nagasena. Mahayana and Hinayana are doctrinal categories, not codes of discipline. This clear separation of genre and content verifies that Patimokkha refers to monastic rules.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option a (A description of Mahayana Buddhism) is incorrect, because Patimokkha belongs to early monastic rules, not specifically to Mahayana doctrinal exposition. Option b (A description of Hinayana Buddhism) is also wrong for the same reason; while Theravada uses the Patimokkha, the term itself does not stand for a doctrinal description. Option d (The questions of King Menander) confuses Patimokkha with Milinda Panha, which is a separate text of philosophical debate, not a list of monastic rules.

Common Pitfalls:
A frequent error is to mis-associate Buddhist technical terms, such as confusing Patimokkha with other Pali or Sanskrit titles like Tripitaka, Milinda Panha or Abhidhamma Pitaka. Another pitfall is to treat Mahayana and Hinayana as catch-all labels for anything Buddhist and select them without understanding that Patimokkha is specifically disciplinary. To avoid this, remember: Tripitaka is the three baskets (Vinaya, Sutta, Abhidhamma), Patimokkha belongs to Vinaya and is the monastic rule code, and Milinda Panha is the dialogue with King Menander.

Final Answer:
In Buddhism, Patimokkha stands for the basic code of discipline or rules of conduct for the Sangha.