Lzh Mi Bi Pm Pc 94Going Wandering
Pāli / Sanskrit:Cārikanapakkamana
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Explanation of the Cārikana-Pakkamana Sutta (The Sutta on Departing to Wander)
Background
The Cārikana-Pakkamana Sutta is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, in the early Buddhist tradition. The Vinaya Piṭaka is the collection of rules of practice for the community of monks and nuns, formed from the Buddha’s teachings in order to maintain discipline and harmony in the Sangha.
This sutta concerns regulations on bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs leaving monasteries to go wandering, an important custom in the Theravāda tradition. Going wandering (cārikana) is a traditional form of practice in which monastics leave their regular dwelling to wander in search of food, learn the Dharma, and challenge the mind. However, this act must follow strict rules to avoid violating the discipline and avoid causing trouble for the Sangha and the people.
Main Content
The Cārikana-Pakkamana Sutta states that when a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī intends to leave a residence to go wandering, that person must clearly inform the other members of the community. This notification should be conveyed respectfully and formally, through standard words prescribed by the Buddha and the Sangha.
Specifically, the one about to go wandering must reverently declare: “I am about to go wandering” (Ahaṃ Bhante cārikaṃ pakkamissāmi). This declaration is not merely an ordinary notice, but an act of deep significance in the Vinaya. Clear and public notification allows the community to know the current status of each member, thereby avoiding misunderstandings, disputes, or unintentional violations of discipline.
These regulations also relate to the concept of “Āsama,” the regular residence that every bhikkhu must clearly declare upon entering the rains retreat (vassa). When leaving the residence to go wandering, a monastic must perform the procedures according to the proper rite in order to be recognized by the Sangha.
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