Vinaya Piṭaka

The Vinaya Piṭaka (English: Basket of Discipline) is the first of the three divisions of the Pali Tripitaka, the definitive canonical collection of scripture of Theravada Buddhism.

Its primary subject matter is the monastic rules of conduct for monks and nuns of the Sangha.

According to tradition, the Tripiṭaka was compiled at the First Council shortly after the Buddha's death.

The Khandhaka section gives numerous supplementary rules grouped by subject that also consist of origin stories.

As the sangha expanded, situations arose which the Buddha and the lay community felt were inappropriate for mendicants.