Lzh Mi Bi Pm Pc 16Throwing Out a Monastic

Explanation of Nikkaḍḍhana (Expelling a Bhikkhu)

Background

Nikkaḍḍhana is a regulation found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the early Buddha-Dharma tradition, specifically in the Pātimokkha, the basic code governing the lives of bhikkhus in the Sangha. The term "nikkaḍḍhana" means "expulsion" or "driving out," referring to a bhikkhu being separated from the monastic community because of serious violations of ethical regulations.

The rules concerning the expulsion of a bhikkhu were formed in the early years after the Buddha established the Sangha. They reflect the need to maintain the purity and discipline of the community of practice, while also protecting the trust of laypeople and the public toward the Sangha. These rules are not punitive punishments, but measures to protect the integrity of the Dharma.

Main Content

Nikkaḍḍhana concerns situations in which a bhikkhu must be expelled from the Sangha. According to the early Vinaya Piṭaka, such expulsion usually occurs when a bhikkhu violates the Pārājikas, the gravest rules, consisting of four chief offenses: killing a human being, stealing, sexual misconduct, and lying about superhuman attainments.

The process of expulsion is conducted formally through saṅghakamma, the official acts of the entire Sangha. A bhikkhu who has been expelled is no longer considered a member of the monastic community, may not take part in meetings, and no longer receives the rights and respect accorded to monastics. He must wear grey robes and is no longer considered a "good person" in the view of the Buddhist community.

It is important that this expulsion may be reversed if the person shows sincere remorse and submits again to the proper decision. However, in special cases, restoration may be very difficult or impossible.