Lzh Mi Bi Pm Pc 167Throwing Out a Monastic
Pāli / Sanskrit:Nikkaḍḍhana
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Explanation of the Nikkaḍḍhana Discourse (Expelling a Bhikkhu)
Background
The Nikkaḍḍhana Discourse is presented in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically within the Pātimokkha, the basic rules of the Sangha. These are disciplinary regulations for the bhikkhu community, reflecting early Buddhism's concern with maintaining the training rules and standards of conduct in the Sangha.
The need for the rule on "expelling a bhikkhu" (nikkaḍḍhana) arose when members of the community of practice committed serious violations of the training rules or acted in ways harmful to communal harmony. Buddhism is not a religion of absolute isolation, but emphasizes communal living within discipline and shared teaching. Therefore, when a member cannot maintain the required level of conduct, expulsion becomes a last resort to protect the integrity of the Sangha.
Main Content
The Nikkaḍḍhana Discourse defines the situations and conditions under which a bhikkhu may be expelled from the community of practice. First, it must be understood that this is not punishment in the worldly sense, but a measure to protect the Buddha's law. A bhikkhu is usually expelled for reasons such as repeatedly violating serious training rules, refusing to accept discipline or admonition from the Sangha, acting in ways that harm the unity of the community, or performing actions contrary to the nature of Buddhism.
The expulsion procedure is carried out according to a formal process, not arbitrarily. The Sangha must assemble fully, discuss the person's faults clearly, and only when there is agreement from the majority of bhikkhus may the final decision be carried out. This ensures fairness and avoids unjust decisions.
The expelled person still has an opportunity to request return if they truly repent, reform their conduct, and demonstrate determination to pursue the path of practice. This is an expression of compassion and kindness in the Buddha's teaching: no one is abandoned forever, provided they have a wholesome mind to reform.
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