Lzh Dg Bi Pm Pc 142Not Inviting
Pāli / Sanskrit:Apavāraṇā
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Exposition of the Apavāraṇā Sutta (Not Inviting)
Background
The Apavāraṇā Sutta (Pāli: A-pa-vāraṇā, meaning "not opening, not inviting") belongs to the Pācittiya section of the Vinaya Piṭaka, where the rules of practice for the Buddhist Sangha community are recorded. This is one of the disciplinary rules (sīladharma) intended to maintain internal discipline and mutual respect within the Sangha.
The background of this sutta relates to questions of courtesy when interacting with those who have just completed a period of training, or to acts concerning openness and transparency in the Sangha community. During the Buddha's lifetime, monks and nuns received instruction directly from the Blessed One. Yet in order to maintain harmony and avoid misunderstandings, the Buddha established detailed rules concerning conduct among members of the Sangha.
Main Content
The Apavāraṇā rule concerns not inviting or not calling another monk or nun in an improper way, especially in circumstances where such an invitation could arouse suspicion or affect the honor and calm of the Sangha. It may also concern not announcing or not opening up internal matters to outsiders in an inappropriate way.
In a broader context, "Apavāraṇā," the ceremony of formal invitation at the close of the rains retreat (Vassa), is an important ritual held at the end of the rainy season. At that time, monks and nuns gather to openly acknowledge faults and restore harmony with one another. This prohibition aims to ensure that the process takes place solemnly, without disturbance or disrespect.
The sutta states clearly that failure to observe this principle results in a Pācittiya offense, a violation requiring confession and renewed practice according to the Pātimokkha. This is not the gravest offense, but it requires mindfulness and discipline from the practitioner.
Practical Meaning
The Apavāraṇā Sutta carries profound meaning concerning spiritual discipline.
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