Claiming Ignorance in the Discipline

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the claims of ignorance in the monks' discipline by mainly
studying information from the Tripitaka, relevant documents and research. The study found that,
the law proverb that “Ignorance of the law cannot be an excuse” because the law is in absolute
condition and everyone can know. In the way, the discipline states that the ignorance of the
monks can make mistakes. But the claim of ignorance of the discipline can be interpreted as two
ways: 1) General offense can claim ignorance and discipline and not be punished, as in the case
of the Kosamphi monks, it regarded as "When I don't know, it's not wrong", and 2) The offense of
the group ‘Sachittaka’ able to claim ignorance of the discipline so as not to be punished. This
group will have to consider the provisions of the discipline as a basis. Due to certain disciplines an
offense will only occur when it consists of intent. If not intentional (Vimokkha Sanna) would not
be wrong, it regarded as "It doesn't know, it's not wrong." The claim of ignorance of the discipline
is the reason that can be raised to escape. This is different from the principles of general law.