Lzh Mi Bi Vb Pc 50Travelling by Arrangement
Pāli / Sanskrit:Saṁvidhāna
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Saṁvidhāna Sutta: A Journey by Arrangement
Background
The Saṁvidhāna Sutta is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, in the section regulating bhikkhus when they wish to travel from one place to another. The word "saṁvidhāna" means "arrangement" or "prior agreement," expressing an important administrative principle in the monastic community of Theravāda Buddhism.
The historical background of this discourse is related to the development of the rules of the Sangha. When bhikkhus moved between regions, especially during the rains residence (vassa), coordination and prior notification were needed so that the community could plan and manage well. This was not only an administrative matter, but also related to the qualities of collective practice.
Main Content
The Saṁvidhāna Sutta prescribes that a bhikkhu is not permitted to leave the monastery or locality on his own initiative without informing the elders, his preceptor (upajjhāya), or his teacher (ācariya). Travel must be clearly arranged beforehand, through the consent of the community.
This rule applies especially in situations related to the rains residence (vassa), the three-month period when bhikkhus usually remain in one place for focused practice. If there is a legitimate reason to leave, such as illness, Sangha business, or an urgent family reason, the bhikkhu must inform others and be permitted in some way, through direct contact, a message, or common understanding.
The discourse emphasizes that violating this rule, that is, leaving without notification, is considered an offense (pācittiya), a violation that the bhikkhu must confess at the weekly Pātimokkha recitation. This is not the most serious offense but still needs to be corrected through repentance.
Practical Meaning
The Saṁvidhāna Sutta reflects a deeper layer of meaning in the Buddha Dharma. First, it teaches respect and collective responsibility. The monastic community is not a collection of independent individuals, but an institution with close interconnection.
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