Lzh Dg Bi Pm Pc 116Leaving a House
Pāli / Sanskrit:Leaving a house
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An Explanation of the Rule on Leaving a House
Background
This rule belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon and is a section regulating the discipline of the community of monks and nuns. The Vinaya Piṭaka consists of three main collections: the Sutta Vibhaṅga, the analysis of rules; the Khandaka, the chapters of regulations; and the Parivāra, the concluding section. The rule “Leaving a House” is found in the Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha, specifically in the Pāyantika, offenses requiring declaration.
In the historical context, after the Buddha established the female Sangha, he set forth detailed regulations to guide female monastics in rigorous discipline. These regulations were not meant to compel or restrict freedom, but to protect the happiness, safety, and progress in practice of female monastics.
Main Content
This regulation concerns provisions about a female monastic leaving a house or the collective residence of the Sangha. According to the Vinaya Piṭaka, a nun is not permitted arbitrarily to leave her dwelling without a valid reason and without informing the teachers, mentors, or community managers.
Specifically, if a nun wishes to leave the vihāra, the monastery where she is living, she must carry out proper steps: state the reason, request permission from responsible seniors, and ensure that she does not leave unfinished work behind or cause inconvenience to the community. This is intended to maintain order, strengthen collective discipline, and ensure the safety of members of the Sangha.
In addition, the regulation includes specific situations: leaving the house at night, leaving without notification, or going away with the intention not to return; these actions are considered disciplinary violations of varying degree. The degree of violation depends on the circumstances, intention, and time.
Practical Meaning
This rule teaches us that practice is not a separate individual matter, but a process that takes place in the context of community.
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