Lzh Mu Bi Pm As 5Majority Decision
Pāli / Sanskrit:Yebhuyyasikā
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Explanation of the Yebhuyyasikā Discourse (Majority Decision)
Background
The Yebhuyyasikā discourse belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka and specifically regulates discipline within the Saṅgha. This is one of the important Vinaya matters related to how the Saṅgha makes decisions about disputes or disciplinary violations.
According to the Theravāda tradition, the Vinaya Piṭaka was established by the Buddha step by step, usually in response to specific situations that occurred in the monastic community. This discourse records regulations on how to use “majority decision” (yebhuyyasikā), an official method by which the Saṅgha resolves disputes or issues binding judgments.
Main Content
Yebhuyyasikā refers to one of the formal methods of the Saṅgha for making decisions (catubhānavāra). This method provides that when there is a dispute concerning the Vinaya or the Dharma, the Saṅgha votes, and the decision of the majority of members present is regarded as the official decision of the community.
For a majority decision to be valid, certain conditions must be met: the participating members of the Saṅgha must be confirmed as qualified (sthavira, experienced elders); the quorum must reach a certain proportion; and the voting process must be conducted openly and transparently. If these conditions are not observed, the decision is not considered lawful in the eyes of the Buddhist community.
This discourse emphasizes that the method of majority decision is not arbitrary, but must be carried out with lucid awareness (sampajañña) and according to proper Vinaya procedure. This ensures fairness and unity in the Saṅgha, avoiding a situation in which a few individuals can abuse power to impose their own opinions.
Practical Meaning
The Yebhuyyasikā discourse carries deep meaning regarding democratic organization and collective responsibility. The Buddha did not allow power to be concentrated in one person, but encouraged the participation of the whole Saṅgha.
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