Lzh Mg Bi Pm Pc 23Transferring to Another
Pāli / Sanskrit:Vikappana
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SUTTA ON VIKAPPANA — AN EXPOSITION OF THE VINAYA
Background
The Vikappana Sutta (the Rule on Transferring) is found within the Pātimokkha section of the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga (the Exposition of the Rules for Bhikkhunīs — female monastics). This text records the regulations concerning vikappana — that is, the process by which a female monastic (sāmanerī) transfers her status in the training, or moves from one tradition of practice to another within the Monastic Community.
Within the context of the Theravāda Vinaya, these regulations were established in order to maintain order within the Monastic Community, ensuring the integrity and stability of the Saṅgha. Vikappana is not merely an administrative procedure; it also reflects the careful discernment of Early Buddhism in governing the spirit of monastic training.
Principal Contents
The Vikappana Sutta sets forth the necessary conditions for a transfer to be considered lawful. Specifically, when a female monastic wishes to change her status — for example, from sāmanerī (female novice) to Bhikkhunī (fully ordained female monastic) — or to transfer to another Monastic Community, she must do so in accordance with the proper procedure proclaimed by the Buddha.
The text makes clear that a transfer must be carried out before the Saṅgha — that is, before the community of female monastics. The one who wishes to transfer must declare her intention openly, without deception or concealment. This is the very nature of "vikappana" — the transfer of one's sphere of practice or one's personal status within the Order.
The text also identifies those cases in which a transfer is considered unlawful — for instance, when the person has not obtained the approval of the Monastic Community within which she is currently training, or when the transfer is carried out precipitously or with unwholesome intent. These regulations ensure that the process of transferring constitutes a serious decision, carefully deliberated, and that it does not violate the principles of truthfulness within the Buddha-Dharma.
Practical Significance
Vikappana teaches us about the importance of honesty and clarity in the decisions of monastic life. The act of transferring is not merely a formal change; it is also an expression of spiritual development.
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