Lzh Mg Bu Pm As 6Majority Decision
Pāli / Sanskrit:Yebhuyyasikā
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The Sutta on Majority Decision (Yebhuyyasikā)
Background
The Yebhuyyasikā belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically to the Pātimokkha section and the disciplinary rules of the Buddhist Sangha. In the Theravāda tradition, this code of discipline was developed gradually as the Buddha Śākyamuni encountered specific situations in the governance of the monastic community (Sangha).
The "Majority Decision" sutta concerns the regulations governing how the Sangha reaches decisions in matters of discipline, dispute, or administration. It represents one of the earliest recorded democratic principles in history, embodying the spirit of deliberation and fair voting within a monastic community.
Principal Content
The principle of "Yebhuyyasikā" (yebhuyyā = majority, sikā = according to rule) stipulates that when the Sangha must reach a decision in cases of dispute concerning the Vinaya rules or collective matters, this must be accomplished on the basis of the opinion of the majority of its members. This method is applied in circumstances such as: handling violations of the precepts, resolving disputes among monastics, or passing decisions relating to the community of practitioners.
This sutta demonstrates that the Buddha did not wish for a single person or a small group to determine all matters. Rather, consensus, or at the very least the approval of the majority, is regarded as the legitimate and ethical means of proceeding. This reveals that the Buddha-Dharma is not an autocratic system, but a system of governance founded upon collective participation and shared responsibility.
Decisions by majority must be carried out in the presence of a legitimate Sangha, with careful deliberation and in accordance with formal procedures. This safeguards the rights of those in the minority and ensures that no one is treated unjustly on account of the private opinion of a single leader.
Practical Significance
In the context of contemporary practice, the principle of Yebhuyyasikā reminds us of the importance of fairness, transparency, and collective responsibility.
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