Lzh Mi Bi Pm Pc 63Transferring to Another

Sutta on Transfer (Vikappana)

Background

The Sutta on Transfer (Vikappana) is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, the Vinaya of Theravāda Buddhism, specifically in the Pātimokkha, the basic code. This is not a sutta expounding profound Dharma meaning, but a legal rule concerning the management of the monastic community, both monks and nuns. The formation of these rules was grounded in specific situations that occurred in the early Buddhist community, when the Buddha and his mature disciples needed to establish clear guidelines to maintain discipline, harmony, and the spirit of practice.

The term “Vikappana” means transfer, assignment, or alteration. In the legal context of the monastic community, these are regulations connected with the transfer of responsibility, authority, or status of members of the monastic community. Such rules reflect the practical and realistic character of the early community, where matters of management and organization needed to be handled in an orderly way.

Main Content

The Sutta on Transfer deals with specific cases concerning the transfer or alteration of position or responsibility among members of the Sangha. Although the descriptive information does not provide the full details of the content, based on the context of the Theravāda Vinaya Piṭaka, these rules often concern situations such as a change in a monastic’s place of residence, transfer of educational or administrative duties, or the readmission of individuals into the community after being away for some time.

The rules in Vikappana emphasize that every change in the organization of the community must be carried out formally, transparently, and on the basis of the agreement of the whole Sangha or of authorized persons. This reflects the principles of democracy and equality in the management of the early Buddhist community. Decisions must not be autocratic, but must follow lawful procedure and be witnessed by the community.