Lzh Mi Bu Vb Pc 17Encroaching on a Monastic
Pāli / Sanskrit:Anupakhajja
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Explanation of the Anupakhajja Sutta (Violating a Monastic Boundary)
Background
Anupakhajja belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Pāli Canon, within the regulations concerning encroaching upon or violating the boundaries of the Sangha community. This sutta is recorded among the Patimokkha rules, the list of offences to be confessed each month that bhikkhus must observe.
When the Buddha was living in the world and in the practice places of the Sangha, disciples sometimes acted provocatively, encroaching upon the space, property, or legitimate rights of others in the monastery. These situations were analyzed carefully by the Buddha in order to establish rules of conduct, protect the purity of the Sangha, and create harmony and mutual respect.
Main Content
The Anupakhajja Sutta states that a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī must not encroach upon, appropriate, or damage what belongs to another bhikkhu, nor violate the private space, requisites, or legitimate rights of monastics in the community. This includes many specific actions: occupying a sleeping place, personal property, implements of practice, or even interfering in one another’s private affairs without permission.
The Anupakhajja offence is classified as pācittiya, a minor offence requiring confession and repentance. However, the severity of the violation may differ according to the nature of the action: if the encroachment is intentional, rough, or causes major damage, it may be classified as a heavier offence.
To be exempt from this offence, the monastic must have clear permission from the party concerned, or must have a valid reason recognized by the Sangha. For example, if a bhikkhu permits another to use his object, or if an action is done for the common benefit of the community, it is not considered a violation.
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