Lzh Dg Bi Pm Pc 129Not Following Mentor

Sutta on Not Following the Current of Instruction (Pavattinī-nānubandhana)

Background

This sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, one of the three divisions of the Pāli Canon. The Vinaya Piṭaka is a collection of rules, ethical principles, and teaching stories concerning discipline in the Buddhist Sangha. This sutta is specifically situated in the Pācittiya section, a class of offenses requiring confession and purification.

The appearance of this sutta reflects a situation in the early monastic community, when the Buddha and his disciples had to establish standards of moral conduct. Pavattinī, the current of instruction or guidance of the teacher, is an important concept in Buddhist practice, especially in the relationship between teacher and student, between elders and those who come after.

Main Content

The sutta addresses the situation in which a bhikkhu does not follow the pavattinī, the specific guidance or instruction of an ācariya or upajjhāya. This is not merely a matter of disobedience, but concerns the disruption of the order of practice and respect for those who guide others on the path of Dharma.

According to the Vinaya, when a bhikkhu actively refuses to follow the current of instruction of a teacher, whether male or female, without a valid reason, this act is considered a fault that must be addressed. The act of "not following" (anānubandhana) here is not merely negligence, but an active choice to ignore or reject the guidance of those responsible for teaching.

Yet the Vinaya is also wise in its manner of dealing with this. It does not impose a rigid punishment; rather, it encourages confession, understanding, and restoration of the spiritual relationship. This reflects the principle that the purpose of the Vinaya is education and reform, not absolute punishment.

Practical Meaning

This sutta teaches that in Buddhist practice, the relationship between guide and learner is essential.