Lzh Mi Bi Vb Pc 80Dismissing a Companion

Dutiyikauyyojana Sutta: On Dismissing a Fellow Practitioner

Background

The Dutiyikauyyojana Sutta (Dutiyika-uyyojana) belongs to the Pātimokkha, supplementary regulations in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pācittiya section, offenses requiring confession. The title "Dismissing a Companion" reflects a common situation in early monastic life: conflict among bhikkhus, or between a bhikkhu and a bhikkhunī, requiring a clear resolution according to the Vinaya.

This discourse appears in the context of the Sangha community with hundreds or thousands of members. Early Buddhism emphasized harmony (samaggi) as an important factor in preserving the Dharma and practice. When a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī violated discipline or caused discord, "dismissing" or separating them from the community was not a punishment but a principled practical measure to maintain order.

Main Content

Dutiyikauyyojana sets forth the rule for cases when a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī commits a Pācittiya offense, a lighter offense than Saṅghādisesa, and the community has the right to apply "uyyojana," temporary dismissal. This is not the same as "ukkhepaniya-kamma," an act of permanent suspension, but is a structured form of admonition.

The discourse prescribes that this dismissal can only be declared in an official meeting of the Sangha, with the required quorum present, at least ten bhikkhus. The offender must be clearly informed of the fault and given an opportunity to confess or explain. If the person refuses to accept the decision, the dismissal remains in force until he or she truly repents and the Sangha removes the order.

During the period of dismissal, that person may not participate in common ceremonies (upasampadā, pabbajjā), may not converse normally with other monastics, and may not receive higher qualities of training. However, the person is still permitted to remain in the monastery, continue personal practice, and be instructed so as to understand the mistake clearly.