Lzh Dg Bu Pm Sk 1Evenly All Around
Pāli / Sanskrit:Parimaṇḍala
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Parimaṇḍala Sutra: On Full and Even Balance
Background
The Parimaṇḍala sutra (Pāli: parimaṇḍala, “rounded,” “complete,” or “balanced all around”) appears in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. The Vinaya Piṭaka is the collection of rules of practice and governance for the Sangha established by the Buddha in order to maintain discipline and well-being in the renunciant community. Unlike texts in the Sūtra Piṭaka, which focus on teaching doctrine, the Vinaya Piṭaka emphasizes action, attitude, and the way of life of practitioners.
This sutra concerns an important principle in maintaining harmony and balance within the community of practice. This context reflects the Buddha’s concern with building a strong community (Saṅgha), where every member has responsibility to contribute to common harmony.
Main Content
The principle of “Parimaṇḍala,” full and even balance, in the Vinaya Piṭaka concerns the way members of the Sangha should act in a balanced and comprehensive manner. “Parimaṇḍala” may be understood in two dimensions: first, balance in physical and spatial terms, in which monks and nuns should arrange themselves and act evenly, without bias; but more deeply, it points to ethical, spiritual, and psychological balance.
In the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, this principle is applied when the Sangha gathers to perform rituals, such as Uposatha, solemn recitation, or meetings for important decisions. All members should be fully present, without unfair discrimination or exclusion. This balance ensures that decisions are made fairly, with the shared consent of the whole community.
Furthermore, “evenly all around” also suggests fairness in treatment. Each individual, whether a trainee or an elder, deserves respect and an opportunity to speak. No one should be looked down upon or treated unfairly because of status, age, or past history.
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