In ancient Indian Buddhist monasteries, a ceremony called Pavarana used to be held. It was the: [2002]
1) occasion to elect the Sanghparinayaka and two speakers one on Dhamma and the other on Vinaya
2) confession by monks of their offences committed during their stay in the monasteries
3) ceremony of new person into the Sangha in which the head is shaved and when yellow robes are offered
4) gathering of Buddhist monks
2) confession by monks of their offences committed during their stay in the monasteries
The correct answer is option 2) confession by monks of their offences committed during their stay in the monasteries.
Pavarana was a ceremony held at the end of the monastic retreat during the rainy season, which lasted for three months. It was an important ceremony in ancient Indian Buddhist monasteries. During this ceremony, the monks confessed to any offenses they had committed during their stay in the monastery. This practice of confession was believed to be an important part of the path to enlightenment in Buddhism.
The Pavarana ceremony was also an occasion for the monks to seek forgiveness from each other and to renew their commitment to the monastic way of life. The ceremony was usually presided over by the most senior monk in the monastery, who would listen to the confessions and grant forgiveness.
Thus, option 2) is the correct answer as it accurately describes the purpose of the Pavarana ceremony in ancient Indian Buddhist monasteries.