Lzh Mg Bi Vb Pc 52Travelling With Thieves

The Theyyasattha Rule (The Rule Concerning Thieves)

Background

This rule is recorded in the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga (the rules for bhikkhunis) of the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically within the Pācittiya section (offenses requiring confession). It forms part of the Vinaya Piṭaka established by the Buddha for the purpose of maintaining discipline within the community of female monastics.

The background from which this rule arose is connected to a specific incident within the bhikkhuni community. Certain bhikkhunis had engaged in the act of traveling or journeying together with individuals of dishonest conduct — specifically, those who were thieves (theyyasattha). This gave rise to numerous problems concerning the reputation, moral conduct, and safety of the Sangha. The Buddha, with his profound understanding of cause and effect and of social interaction, established this rule in order to protect the monastic community from negative influences.

Main Content

The Theyyasattha rule prohibits bhikkhunis from traveling or journeying together with those who are known to be thieves or individuals intending to cause harm. If a bhikkhuni deliberately travels in the company of such persons without legitimate reason or appropriate authorization, she commits an offense of Pācittiya — an offense requiring confession before the Sangha community.

This rule is not an absolute condemnation of those who have done wrong. Rather, it is intended to protect the reputation of female monastics who have committed themselves to living in accordance with a higher standard of morality. When a bhikkhuni deliberately associates with or travels alongside a thief, this may cause others to doubt her character, or even to suppose that she is involved in wrongful activities. Such conduct causes harm to the Dhamma and to the faith of the people.

The rule also reflects the Vinaya principle that those who are still training within the Sangha must keep themselves apart from circumstances that may lead to transgression or defilement. This does not mean the absence of compassion toward those who have committed offenses, but rather a clear recognition that in order to maintain moral conduct and purity — purity in the spiritual sense — the monastic must exercise careful discernment with regard to relationships and circumstances.