Lzh Dg Bi Pm Pc 98Within Their Own Country

Antoraṭṭha Sutta — Explanation

Background

The Antoraṭṭha Sutta (Pāli: Antoraṭṭha, meaning “within their land”) is a rule recorded in the traditional Theravāda Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pāṭimokkha, the basic code of 227 rules for bhikkhus. This rule deals with the assignment of duties and responsibilities, especially in relation to monks acting within the scope of their own land or authority.

The background arose from actual events in the early monastic community. The Buddha established these rules to ensure order, fairness, and respect in the community of practice. The Antoraṭṭha Sutta belongs to the Pācittiya section, offenses that require public acknowledgement if violated.

Main Content

This sutta concerns the principle that one must not violate one another’s boundaries and authority within the monastic community. Specifically, it states that a monk must not arbitrarily interfere with or make decisions about matters belonging to the authority of another group of monks, or within the territorial area of other monks, without consent or cooperation.

This rule reflects a basic principle of the Sangha, the monastic community: unity and respect. When a monk acts “within their land” without proper approval, this can give rise to dispute, division, and harm to harmony in the Sangha. The rule emphasizes that important matters should be discussed and resolved collectively and fairly.

The sutta also implies that each monk needs to respect the independence and responsibility of others, and must not abuse personal authority or position to impose his own will.

Practical Meaning

The Antoraṭṭha Sutta teaches us the importance of mutual respect and boundaries. In the practice of early Buddhism, a practitioner is committed not only to individual rules, but also to collective harmony.