Lzh Mi Bu KamMonks’ Legal Proceedings
Pāli / Sanskrit:Bhikkhu Kammavācā
The Bhikkhu-kammavācā (“the monks’ legal proceedings”) are compilations of the formulas that are recited by monks to carry out the legal proceedings of the Sangha. They were excerpted from the Vibhaṅga.
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Explanation of Bhikkhu Kammavācā (Legal Acts of the Sangha)
Background
Bhikkhu Kammavācā is an important component of the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. These legal formulas are drawn from the Vibhaṅga, the section that gives detailed explanation of the precepts in the Sangha discipline. They are not philosophical sermons, but concrete formulas developed so that the Sangha can carry out administrative and judicial decisions in a formal and lawful manner.
From the time the Blessed Buddha established the Sangha, he set down rules to maintain discipline and harmony. As the community grew larger, formal procedures became necessary. Bhikkhu Kammavācā arose to ensure that every action of the Sangha, whether disciplinary or administrative, would be carried out in a precise and public order, with the consent of the collective body.
Main Content
Bhikkhu Kammavācā consists of formal linguistic formulas (kammavācā, "words concerning an act") used to carry out various kinds of Sangha decisions. These formulas have a definite structure: first, the presiding monk, usually an elder of long standing, announces the matter to be resolved to the entire Sangha; then the motion (ñatti) is put forward three times; finally, the silence of the Sangha is taken as consent.
These kammavācā apply in many cases: from certifying that a new bhikkhu has sufficiently learned the discipline, to handling disciplinary violations, such as penalties ranging from admonition to temporary or permanent expulsion. Each formula is designed to avoid confusion or misunderstanding and to ensure transparency and fairness.
It is important that these formulas are not arbitrary, but are established on the basic principles of Buddhist law: respect for discipline, protection of the Sangha, and helping members progress on the path of practice. The Vibhaṅga explains in detail the reasons behind each rule, while Bhikkhu Kammavācā provides the direct practical instrument.
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