Lzh Mi Bi Vb Pc 34Living With an Ejected Monastic

Explanation of the Ukkhittasambhoga Sutta (Living With an Ejected Monk)

Background

The Ukkhittasambhoga Sutta (“living with an expelled renunciant”) is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, specifically in the Pācittiya section—offenses of a lighter degree within monastic law. This portion of the law was built on specific situations that arose in the Sangha during the Buddha’s time.

The background of this sutta concerns regulations regarding a monk under an act of suspension (ukkhitta)—removed or sanctioned by the community because of violations of the rules of practice—who nevertheless continues living together with other monks. This is a complex situation of social order and internal discipline, requiring the community to have a clear way of handling it.

The Vinaya Piṭaka records that such disputes often occurred when it was unclear how long a monk had been suspended, or whether that person’s efforts at correction had been recognized by the community. The Ukkhittasambhoga Sutta arose to establish criteria and guidance so that other monks would know how to behave appropriately.

Main Content

The main rule in Ukkhittasambhoga concerns determining the status of the suspended person (ukkhitta-bhikkhu). According to the Theravāda Vinaya Piṭaka, if a monk is suspended for Pācittiya offenses or other faults, he may not take part in important communal activities such as communal recitation or the distribution of common property. This is not because of hatred toward him, but because the violation has affected the harmony and integrity of the Sangha.

However, the rule also makes clear that other monks must not completely refuse contact with the suspended person, because the purpose of suspension is not destruction but helping him recognize his fault and correct it. Therefore, monks may continue to live together geographically and share the same dwelling place, but they must follow specific social restrictions.