UPSC Prelims 2002·GS1·art-and-culture·religion and literature

In ancient Indian Buddhist monasteries, a ceremony called Pavarana used to be held. It was the

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  1. Aoccasion to elect the Sanghaparinayaka and two speakers one on Dhamma and the other on Vinaya
  2. Bconfession by monks of their offences committed during their stay in the monasteries during the rainy seasonCorrect
  3. Cceremony of initiation of new person into the Buddhist Sangha in which the head is shaved an when yellow robes are offered
  4. Dgathering of Buddhist monks on the next day to the full moon day of Ashadha when they take up affixed abode for the next four months or rainy season

Explanation

The correct answer is B because Pavarana was a formal ceremony held at the end of Vassa, the three month rainy season retreat. During this ritual, Buddhist monks gathered to confess any offenses or lapses in discipline they might have committed while staying together in the monastery. It was a process of self purification and seeking forgiveness from fellow monks to maintain the harmony and purity of the Sangha. Option D refers to the beginning of the retreat, while Option C describes the initiation ceremony known as Pabbajja. Option A is not a standard historical practice associated with the term Pavarana.
art-and-culture: In ancient Indian Buddhist monasteries, a ceremony called Pavarana used to be held. It was the
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