Lzh Mi Bi Vb Pc 165Departing Without Taking Leave

THE SUTTA ON DEPARTING WITHOUT ASKING PERMISSION

Anāpucchāpakkamana (Vinaya Piṭaka)

Background

This rule appears in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically among the Pātimokkha rules for bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs. It is one of the prohibitions (Pācittiya), conduct considered careless and requiring confession when violated, but not leading to separation from the Sangha.

The historical background of this rule concerns the maintenance of discipline, order, and mutual respect within the monastic community. As the Buddha’s disciples grew more numerous, clear rules were needed to govern communal life. Leaving one’s dwelling without informing the elder teachers or the community was not merely a matter of courtesy, but also involved common responsibility and coordination in the life of study and practice.

This rule reflects the philosophy of the Theravāda tradition: respect, responsibility, and communal connection are foundations of monastic ethics.

Main Content

Anāpucchā means “not asking” or “not seeking permission,” while pakkamana means “going away” or “departing.” Thus this rule forbids bhikkhus or bhikkhunīs from leaving the vihāra, the residence or monastery, without informing or asking permission from senior monastics or those managing the community.

According to the Vinaya Piṭaka, when a monastic intends to leave the dwelling to go for alms, attend a Dharma lesson, or attend to another matter, he or she must ask permission from the elder teacher (ācāriya) or fellow monastics so that they know of the absence. This is especially important in the context of communal life, where everyone must coordinate with one another.

If a monastic departs without informing others, this is a blameworthy negligence. That monastic must undertake the process of confession and acknowledge the fault before the Sangha or before a senior monastic. This rule is not a grave prohibition, but it emphasizes that respect and responsibility are core elements of the discipline.