Lzh Dg Bu KamMonks’ Legal Proceedings (1st)
Pāli / Sanskrit:Bhikkhu Kammavācā (1st)
The Bhikkhu-kammavācā (“the monks’ legal proceedings”) are compilations of the formulas that are recited by monks to carry out the legal proceedings of the Sangha. They were excerpted from the Vibhaṅga.
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EXPLANATION OF THE BHIKKHU-KAMMAVĀCĀ (LEGAL PROCEDURES OF THE BHIKKHUS)
Background
The Bhikkhu-kammavācā is a collection of legal formulas established by the Saṅgha to maintain discipline and internal order within the community of bhikkhus. These formulas are extracted from the Vibhaṅga, the most detailed analytical section of the Pātimokkha, the basic core of the Theravāda Vinaya Piṭaka.
In the history of the Buddha Dharma, from the time when the Buddha was still living, the maintenance of unity and purity in the Saṅgha was regarded as of foremost importance. When the Buddha passed into Nirvana, the Saṅgha needed clear legal means to organize meetings, handle disciplinary matters, and perform important rites. The Bhikkhu-kammavācā arose precisely from this essential need, ensuring that decisions of the Saṅgha were carried out in standard forms and were recognized by all members.
Main Content
The Bhikkhu-kammavācā is a collection of legal formulas (kamma-vācā) recited before the whole monastic assembly in order to carry out formal decisions. These formulas include many types of kamma, or acts of the Saṅgha, such as confirming the eligibility of candidates for bhikkhu ordination, assigning positions of responsibility in the Saṅgha, disciplinary measures for bhikkhus who have offended, and matters concerning communal property.
Each kammavācā formula follows a strict structure. Usually, the formula begins by announcing the purpose of the meeting, then presents the matter to be dealt with, then offers the motion (ñatti), and finally gives threefold recognition so as to ensure the consent of the entire Saṅgha. This structure of threefold recognition is characteristic of the Theravāda Vinaya, expressing the principles of communal consent and transparency in the governance of the religious community.
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