Lzh Mi Bu Vb Pc 53Leaving Without Giving Consent

The Chandaṁadatvāgamana Discourse (Leaving Without Asking Permission)

Background

This discourse is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pācittiya section, the collection of rules on faults requiring confession in the discipline for monks and nuns. It is one of the practical details governing the conduct of bhikkhus in the early Sangha.

The background for the arising of this discourse concerns bhikkhus leaving their dwelling place or departing from a group of practitioners without informing or seeking approval from those in charge or the elders in the Sangha. Though such an act may seem small, it reflects a deeper problem: lack of respect, lack of connection with the community, and lack of responsibility toward others.

Theravāda Buddhism values the community, the Sangha, as an interconnected body in which each member has responsibility toward the others. Therefore, these seemingly minor rules are not excessive restraints, but acts of training (Dhamma-Vinaya) intended to build virtue and respect.

Main Content

Chandaṁadatvāgamana, a Pali term meaning “leaving without asking consent” (chandaṁ = consent, permission; adat = not given; vāgamana = leaving), refers to the act of bhikkhus departing from their residence or from their group of practitioners without informing or asking permission from the abbots or senior bhikkhus.

According to the Pācittiya rule, this act constitutes a Pācittiya fault, that is, a fault requiring confession. This is not because the act of “leaving” is wrong in itself, but because the manner of doing it lacks courtesy and respect for the community. If a bhikkhu asks permission or informs the relevant people, leaving is entirely lawful.

The text indicates that the basic principle is that whenever a bhikkhunī or bhikkhu departs, they need to ask for consent (chanda) from those in charge. If this is not observed, a fault arises automatically. However, emergencies or special circumstances may be considered separately.