In Buddhism, what does Patimokkha stand for ?

In Buddhism, Patimokkha (or Prātimokṣa in Sanskrit) refers to the basic code of monastic discipline and rules for the Sangha [t1][t6]. It is a core component of the Vinaya Pitaka, which is the first division of the Tripitaka (Pali Canon) dedicated to monastic rules and moral disciplines [c1][c2]. The Patimokkha consists of a specific set of rules—227 for monks (bhikkhus) and 311 for nuns (bhikkhunis) in the Theravada tradition—governing daily conduct and communal life [t3][t5]. These rules are traditionally recited by the monastic community on Uposatha days to ensure purity and adherence to the Buddha's training [t3]. While the Vinaya Pitaka provides the broader framework and origin stories for these regulations, the Patimokkha serves as the essential list of precepts that monastics must follow to maintain their standing within the order [t5][t6].

Sources

1. [1] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 3: Rise of Territorial Kingdoms and New Religious Sects > Buddhist Literature > p. 42
2. [2] THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings > How Buddhist texts were prepared and preserved > p. 86
3. [3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P%C4%81%E1%B9%ADimokkha