Lzh Dg Bu Pm 2 As 6Majority Decision
Pāli / Sanskrit:Yebhuyyasikā
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THE DISCOURSE ON MAJORITY DECISION (YEBHUYYASIKĀ)
Background
The Yebhuyyasikā discourse belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Pāli canon, especially the regulations on how to govern and resolve disputes in the Saṅgha. The Vinaya Piṭaka was compiled to maintain discipline, harmony, and order in the community of Buddhist renunciants. This discourse addresses a practical issue: how the assembled Saṅgha should decide disputed matters when members do not share a single opinion.
In the historical context, the Buddha established many rules for governing the Saṅgha based on the principles of communal consent and unity. The majority principle (yebhuyyasikā) is one of the most important decision-making mechanisms, reflecting the wise administrative philosophy of early Buddhism.
Main Content
The Yebhuyyasikā discourse stipulates that when the Saṅgha needs to make a decision about matters of discipline, doctrine, or community governance, the formal method is to rely on the decision of the majority (yebhuyyasikā). This means that the view of the greater part of the assembled Saṅgha will be recognized as the official decision, carrying binding force.
This discourse establishes the conditions for a decision to be considered valid: the Saṅgha must be convened according to proper procedure, the attending members must meet the required number or quorum, and the voting must be conducted openly and clearly. There is no fraud and no hidden pressure, but a transparent and fair process.
A noteworthy point is that Theravāda Buddhism does not impose “absolute unanimity,” but recognizes that in a community composed of thousands of monastics, differences of opinion are natural. Instead, it teaches that an official decision must be based on the agreement of the majority, while those who disagree must still follow the decision of the Saṅgha, because the common good stands above individual benefit.
Practical Meaning
Yebhuyyasikā is not only a disciplinary rule but also reflects a profound philosophy of governance.
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