Lzh Mg Bi Vb As 1Resolution Face to Face
Pāli / Sanskrit:Sammukhāvinaya
Save your scripture progress
Create a free account to save scriptures, track progress, and continue your daily learning path.
The Scripture on Resolution Face to Face (Sammukhāvinaya)
Background
Sammukhāvinaya, or "Resolution Face to Face," is one of the methods for handling violations in the Vinaya Pitaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. This text belongs to the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga (the code of discipline for nuns), and demonstrates how disciplinary matters are handled within the monastic community.
In the context of the early community of practice, the Buddha recognized that when monastics commit transgressions, fair procedures are needed for resolving disputes. Sammukhāvinaya is one of the five principal formal acts (pañcakamma), applied when a transgression is confirmed in the presence of the entire community.
Principal Content
Sammukhāvinaya means "settlement in the presence of" or "resolution face to face" (sammukha = in the presence of, vinaya = disciplinary settlement). This is the method of resolution used when the offender acknowledges their fault on the spot, before the entire Saṅgha.
The process of Sammukhāvinaya unfolds as follows: the accused is brought before the Saṅgha, and the charges are presented clearly. If the accused acknowledges the transgression and offers an apology, they are required to carry out specific penalties or acts of confession and repentance. This method places emphasis on openness, transparency, and the individual's capacity for reformation.
Unlike other forms of formal acts such as Tajjanīya (censure), Nissaya (dependence), or Paṭisāraṇīya (temporary exclusion), Sammukhāvinaya requires the witness of the entire community. This ensures that no individual is dealt with arbitrarily, but rather that the matter is resolved by the collective decision of the Saṅgha.
Practical Significance
Sammukhāvinaya is not merely an instrument of punishment; it is also a means of education and repentance. It reflects a core principle of the Pāli Vinaya: the maintenance of discipline in order to protect the integrity of the community of practice.
🌏 The Buddhist canon is vast — some sūtras (such as comparative Vinaya across schools, or untranslated Tibetan-canon texts) have to this day NEVER been translated into Vietnamese or English by anyone, scholars included. Rather than leave it blank, Inti AI offers a FAITHFUL summary grounded in the tradition — from the sūtra's title, origin and essence — so you can still reach this rare part of the treasury. Whenever an original translation exists, the app shows the original first.
Translations belong to the translator/source credited above. The bilingual compilation, presentation, and AI translations compiled by Inti are © Inti Foundation. Please attribute when quoting; do not bulk-copy or use commercially without permission.