Lzh Dg Bi Pm Pc 56Annoyance
Pāli / Sanskrit:Vilekhana
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Vilekhana Discourse (Rubbing Out - Annoyance)
Background
The Vilekhana discourse is a disciplinary regulation (Vinaya) in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, belonging to the Pātimokkha Saṃvara. The content records rules concerning the conduct of bhikkhus in relation to rubbing, erasing, annoying, or harassing other monks, especially in the context of communal life in the Sangha.
This teaching of the Buddha arose from a specific incident in which some bhikkhus caused annoyance to others through small actions such as rubbing, touching, or pestering. As usual in the Vinaya Piṭaka, the Buddha established a rule to maintain harmony, purity, and discipline in the Sangha body.
Main Content
The Vilekhana discourse regulates conduct by which one should not rub, erase, or harass other monks, especially when they are practicing meditation, studying scripture, or performing tasks of the Sangha. Such conduct is considered a violation of virtue because it causes discomfort, scatters the minds of others, and disrupts the concentration necessary for practice.
This regulation is not merely about a physical gesture, but expresses the principle of respect and of not causing disturbance to others. In the context of communal Sangha life, where concentration and quiet are important conditions for practice, any act that causes distraction is regarded as a breach of discipline.
According to the spirit of the Theravāda Vinaya Piṭaka, this rule is not due to outburst or anger, but to lack of clear awareness (sampajañña) concerning the effect of one’s actions on others. Thus this rule teaches bhikkhus carefulness in all actions, from the smallest to the greatest.
Practical Meaning
The Vilekhana discourse teaches us about respect and heedfulness (appamāda). Every action of ours, even something as small as rubbing or touching, has the capacity to affect another person’s mind. For those practicing meditation or concentrating on spiritual work, distraction from external impacts can damage the fruit of their practice.
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