Lzh Mi Bi Pm Pc 91Staying Apart From Monks

Explanation of the Abhikkhukāvāsa Sutta (Dwelling Apart From Bhikkhus)

Background

The Abhikkhukāvāsa Sutta is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the early Buddhist tradition, especially in the Pātimokkha, the code of training rules. It is one of the regulations concerning the communal lifestyle of bhikkhus in the Buddhist Sangha.

The historical formation of this rule is connected with the development of the community of those gone forth. As Buddhism spread, the number of bhikkhus increased considerably, and issues concerning communal living, collective discipline, and relations among members of the Sangha became urgent. Regulations on how to dwell together, share living space, and maintain harmony in the community of renunciants were therefore gradually established to protect the spirit of practice and the common good.

Although the Abhikkhukāvāsa Sutta bears the title “Dwelling Apart From Bhikkhus,” it regulates provisions related to communal living and restrictions when dwelling together. In the Pātimokkha context, these are rules intended to prevent unsuitable behavior and maintain a clean, focused environment for practice.

Main Content

According to the Pāli Canon tradition, this sutta concerns provisions (sekhiyadhamma) on residence and interaction among bhikkhus. Although the descriptive information does not provide the full detailed content, based on the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka this regulation generally concerns:

Provisions on communal living: Rules on living together, sharing residential space, arranging sleeping places, and actions permitted or prohibited when living collectively in a monastery (vihāra).

Relations among members of the Sangha: Bhikkhus must maintain mutual respect and follow the order based on seniority in ordination. Actions that may cause disturbance, such as changing sleeping places arbitrarily or using another’s space without permission, are restricted.