Lzh Mi Bi Pm Pc 185Letting the Time Expire
Pāli / Sanskrit:Kālaatikkamana
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Explanation of the Kālaatikkamana Discourse (Letting Time Pass)
Background
The Kālaatikkamana discourse, “Letting Time Pass,” belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, in the Khandaka section of the early Buddhist tradition. It is one of the teachings related to monastic discipline (Vinaya), specifically the rules governing time and the responsibilities of bhikkhus within the Sangha.
The context in which this discourse arose came from a particular event in the life of the Sangha during the Buddha’s lifetime. Some bhikkhus did not observe the regulations concerning deadlines and responsibilities, letting communal matters pass without completion, or leaving issues requiring resolution open indefinitely. On this occasion, the Buddha Śākyamuni instructed the bhikkhus on the importance of observing time limits and responsibilities as an expression of respect for the Vinaya and diligence in practice.
Main Content
The Kālaatikkamana discourse refers to rules concerning allowing time to expire without completing the work or responsibilities of the Sangha. In the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, this is understood more broadly as allowing opportunities for practice to pass, neglecting important periods for Dharma activity, or failing to observe time regulations in recitation assemblies, communal practice, or the resolution of disciplinary matters within the Sangha.
The discourse emphasizes that a bhikkhu should not allow time to pass passively. This is not only a matter of formal discipline, but also concerns the training consciousness of each individual. When a bhikkhu lets time pass without fulfilling responsibilities, he loses opportunities for spiritual development, for weakening the dark afflictions of the mind, and for progressing on the path to awakening.
The specific regulations in this discourse usually concern the establishment of clear deadlines for Sangha affairs, thereby helping maintain discipline and order within the Sangha. They also aim to prevent endless delay and disputes arising from unresolved matters being neglected.
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