Normally I use the gender-neutral and literal “mendicant” for bhikkhu, but at this formal act of the Saṅgha only men would be present, so I use “monk”. Nuns hold their own ceremony.

This was the end of the rains retreat, during which mendicants stayed in one place. To conclude the retreat, the mendicants gather to invite admonition from each other, clearing the air of any conflicts or tensions that might have arisen during the retreat. This is done instead of the regular recitation of the Pātimokkha rules. Discussed in detail at Kd 4.

The Buddha does not hold himself above accountability. Rather, a good spiritual leader shows by example that everyone must be open to criticism.

This eulogy is also at SN 2.29.