Lzh Mg Bi Pm As 6Majority Decision
Pāli / Sanskrit:Yebhuyyasikā
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The Scripture on Majority Decision (Yebhuyyasikā)
Background
The Yebhuyyasikā (Majority Decision) belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka—the foundational code of monastic practice within the Theravāda Buddhist Saṅgha. This section records the governance decisions of the monastic community, made during the earliest Saṅgha assemblies.
In the context of the development of early Buddhism, both during the Buddha's lifetime and after his entry into nirvana, the Saṅgha community required legal principles to maintain discipline and resolve disputes. This scripture addresses one of the most important decision-making mechanisms: the use of the method known as yebhuyyasikā (according to the opinion of the majority), whereby contested matters are resolved on the basis of the agreement of the greater part of the Saṅgha's members.
This method reflects a profound democratic principle in early Buddhist governance, entirely distinct from any mechanism of singular authority. It expresses respect for each member of the practicing community, while at the same time ensuring a fair and transparent process of decision-making.
Principal Content
The Yebhuyyasikā prescribes that when the Saṅgha must reach a decision on matters concerning discipline, the Dharma, or the administration of the community, the method to be applied is that of taking the opinion of the majority. This means that when a matter is brought forward for deliberation, all members of the Saṅgha present are permitted to express their views, and the formal decision is adopted upon receiving the support of the greater part of those members.
This procedure is regarded as more equitable than other methods, such as decision by complete unanimity (susammatikā), because it allows essential decisions to be reached even when not every person is in full agreement. This is intended to prevent a situation in which a small number of individuals may obstruct the community's process of reaching a decision.
Furthermore, the scripture also emphasizes that the members participating must be recognized monastics, well versed in the Vinaya, and possessed of the capacity to render judgment.
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