In a discussion yesterday there was a question as to the 227 rules for monks (and 5 precepts for laypeople) and how this fits with the fact
that every moment is conditioned and that there is no self in the absolute sense.
from
THE
INCEPTION OF DISCIPLINE AND
THE VINAYA NIDANA translated by N. A. JAYAWICKRAMA (Bahiranidana of
Buddhaghosa’s Samantapasida, the Vinaya Commentary)
Likewise, the first is called the teaching necessitated by transgressions, wherein those beings who are given to many misdeeds are admonished in accordance with the nature of their offences;
the second, that adapted to circumstances, wherein beings who are given to divers dispositions, latent tendencies, and traits of character are admonished in accordance with their adaptability;
and the third, that set out in accordance with reality, wherein beings who conceive of an ego and what pertains to it, only in the presence of a pile of conditions, are instructed in terms of the absolute truth.
The first is the Vinaya, the 2nd the Suttanta and the 3rd the Abhidhamma.
So how does the Vinaya fit with the Abhidhamma?
If I tell/train/plead/bribe/demand/cajole my children to do their homework, hearing my words can be a condition for them to start doing it. Breaking it down- there are moments of hearing sounds, mind door processes where the words are understood. They may still not do it though as each has their own accumulations, each reacts in different ways - really just a pile of conditions.
And the same with Bhikkhus, some are able to follow the Vinaya without any resistance and with great respect; others readily transgress some of the rules. It is all showing their nature, revealing the latent tendencies. The one who respects the Vinaya and happily follows is a reflection of his accumulations of merit.
When a monk tries to ignore the Vinaya it is, when analysed actually akusala cittas conditioning the speech or movements that go against the rules. And those akusala cittas were conditioned to arise due to many conditions: what we call character is just habits accumulated over so many lives.. Thus the Abhidhamma and Vinaya and Suttanta are all in accord.