Paṁsukūlī untranslated

Paṁsukūlī, Paṁsukūlino, Paṁsukūlikā, Paṁsukūlīs. A sect of ascetics in Ceylon, whose particular observance was probably the use of rag-robes (paṁsukūla). Their early origin is not known, Māṇavamma is said to have built for them a pāsāda in the Thūpārāma (Cv.xlvii.66). They also occupied the Rājamātikavihāra and enjoyed the special favour of both Aggabodhi V. and of Aggabodhi VII. (Cv.xlviii.4, 16, 73). Vajira, senāpati of Aggabodhi IX., built for them the Kacchavāla vihāra (Cv.xlix.80). Sena I. established for them headquarters on the Ariṭṭha pabbata and also made special provision for them at Pulatthipura (Cv.l.63, 76).

They seem to have originally belonged to the congregation of the Abhayagirivihāra, and continued to do so up to the reign of Sena II., when they separated off and formed special groups (Cv.li.52). Later, Sena Ilaṅga, general of Kassapa IV., built the Samuddagiri pariveṇa, in the Mahā Vihāra for their use, and it is said that he dispensed rice and clothing to the mothers of the Paṁsukūlikas (Cv.lii.21).

In the time of Udaya III. various officials of the court fled to the tapovana occupied by the Paṁsukūlikas, but were pursued thither by the king and his viceroy and beheaded. Incensed by this act, the Paṁsukūlikas left the tapovana, which stood on land granted by the king, and went to Rohaṇa. The people rose in rebellion, and those who had perpetrated the crime in the tapovana visited the Paṁsukūlikas in Rohaṇa, asked their forgiveness, and persuaded them to return (Cv.Iiii.14ff., 21ff). Mahinda IV. also showed them great honour (Cv.liv.18, 24f). We hear of them last in the reign of Vikkamabāhu II., when that king deprived them of their lands, and they, in anger, retired again to Rohaṇa (Cv.lxi.59f). Thenceforth we hear no more of the sect, and it probably ceased to exist.

It is mentioned in the Aṅguttara Commentary (AN­a.i.52f) that, after the depredations of Caṇḍāla Tissa, when the religion was at a very low ebb, a discussion arose between the Paṁsukūlikas and the Dhammakathīkas as to which was the more important branch of the Sāsana: pariyatti or paṭipatti. The Paṁsukūlikas voted for paṭipatti, but were defeated by the others.