Lzh Dg Bu Pm 2 Pc 71Legitimate Correction
Pāli / Sanskrit:Sahadhammika
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The Sutta on Legitimate Correction (Sahadhammika)
Background
The Sahadhammika Sutta (Legitimate Correction) belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda tradition, part of the rules regulating the community of monks and nuns in the early period of Buddhism. This sutta arose from specific situations in the practice life of bhikkhus when faults or violations of the discipline occurred.
In the context of the monastic community, correcting or adjusting unlawful conduct is a sensitive matter. The Sahadhammika Sutta refers to the method of correcting or setting right mistaken conduct in a way that still accords with the Dharma and Vinaya. This is not a harsh punishment, but a process of education and restoration of standing within the community of practice, in harmony with the compassion and wisdom of Buddhism.
Main Content
The basic principle of Sahadhammika is that correction must be carried out according to the Dharma, not according to personal will or arbitrary power. The sutta prescribes that when a bhikkhu commits a fault, the steps of remedy must be clear, public, and performed with the mutual support of the Sangha.
“Legitimate” correction includes many forms. If the fault is minor, a reminder or public confession may be sufficient. If the fault is more serious, more formal procedures may be needed, such as temporarily barring participation in community activities or other penalties decided by the Sangha. All these measures must be carried out with transparency and fairness.
The sutta emphasizes that the purpose of correction is not to punish or cause suffering, but to help the bhikkhu recognize his mistake, give rise to sincere remorse, and return to the proper path of practice. This is an expression of compassion in the monastic community, where each member is regarded as a companion in the Dharma (sahadhammika), not as an enemy.
Practical Meaning
The Sahadhammika Sutta has profound meaning for modern communities of practice.
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