Lzh Mi Bi Vb Pc 100Going to the Instruction
Pāli / Sanskrit:Ovādūpasaṅkamana
Save your scripture progress
Create a free account to save scriptures, track progress, and continue your daily learning path.
Commentary on the Ovādūpasaṅkamana Scripture
(Going to Receive Instruction)
Background
The Ovādūpasaṅkamana scripture is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically the Pātimokkha section of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. This is one of the ethical rules of the Sangha, the monastic community that follows the Dharma and Vinaya established by Śākyamuni Buddha.
The Vinaya Piṭaka is not merely a collection of dry prohibitions, but the foundation of ethical education intended to nurture mindfulness, self-discipline, and mutual respect in the community of practice. The Ovādūpasaṅkamana scripture reflects a basic need in practice: knowing how to approach and listen to instruction from realized teachers or from elders of great virtue and wisdom.
The word “Ovād” means instruction or admonition, while “ūpasaṅkamana” is the act of “going to, approaching, kneeling down to receive teaching.” This is a basic act expressing the spirit of respect and readiness to learn in the Theravāda Buddhist tradition.
Main Content
This scripture regulates how a monastic or a lay follower (upāsaka) should approach teachers, abbots, or qualified persons in order to receive instruction in the Dharma. The act of “going to receive instruction” is not a casual matter, because it is connected with reverence, preparation of the mind, and discipline within the Sangha.
Specifically, the scripture establishes that when a renunciant or student of the Dharma wishes to approach a teacher, they must have the proper attitude: an undistracted mind, sincere intention to learn, and not mere curiosity or outward display. This act also expresses respect for the Dharma and for those who transmit the Dharma.
In the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, such rules ensure that the transmission of the Dharma takes place in a pure and disciplined environment, where teachings are received worthily.
🌏 The Buddhist canon is vast — some sūtras (such as comparative Vinaya across schools, or untranslated Tibetan-canon texts) have to this day NEVER been translated into Vietnamese or English by anyone, scholars included. Rather than leave it blank, Inti AI offers a FAITHFUL summary grounded in the tradition — from the sūtra's title, origin and essence — so you can still reach this rare part of the treasury. Whenever an original translation exists, the app shows the original first.
Translations belong to the translator/source credited above. The bilingual compilation, presentation, and AI translations compiled by Inti are © Inti Foundation. Please attribute when quoting; do not bulk-copy or use commercially without permission.