Lzh Dg Bu Kam 2Monks’ Legal Proceedings (2nd)
Pāli / Sanskrit:Bhikkhu Kammavācā (2nd)
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 (Volume 2)
Background
The Bhikkhu-Kammavācā is a collection of legal formulas recited by bhikkhus in meetings of the Saṅgha to carry out the legal procedures of the Saṅgha, the community of bhikkhus. These formulas are extracted from the Vibhaṅga, the second part of the Vinaya Piṭaka, which contains detailed explanations of the precepts and rules of practice.
In the Theravāda tradition, the Vinaya Piṭaka is regarded as the foundation of the Saṅgha, ensuring that the community of bhikkhus functions harmoniously and with discipline. Kammavācā, from “kamma” (action) and “vācā” (speech), represents legal declarations that are themselves acts. When these words are spoken properly and according to the correct procedure, they become legally effective acts within the Saṅgha.
This second volume (Dg Bu Kam 2) continues from the first volume and includes formulas for various legal situations that the Saṅgha must face in the governance of the community.
Main Content
The second volume of the Bhikkhu-Kammavācā contains formal legal formulas by which the Saṅgha carries out legal decisions. These formulas are structured very carefully, with specific requirements concerning the number of bhikkhus present, the valid place, the presence of the parties concerned, and exact declarations word for word.
Each formula follows a definite pattern: first there is the question or proposed announcement (ñatti), followed by the formal legal declaration (kammavācā). These declarations must be spoken three times to achieve full legal force, unless the specific procedure requires otherwise.
These formulas address important matters such as handling violations of the discipline, making decisions about the appropriateness of monastic actions, confirming decisions of the Saṅgha, or recognizing changes in the status or office of members of the Saṅgha. All these decisions must be carried out through formal legal formulas in order to ensure legality and legitimacy within the community.
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