Lzh Mu Bi Pm Pc 102Going Wandering
Pāli / Sanskrit:Cārikanapakkamana
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CĀRIKANAPAKKAMANA SUTRA: GOING FOR ALMS WHILE WANDERING
Context
The Cārikanapakkamana Sutra, concerning going for alms while traveling, belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically the Pātimokkha Saṃvara, the basic disciplinary rules that Buddhist monastics must observe. This sutra reflects the practical life of bhikkhus in the early Buddhist period, when monastics frequently had to move between regions in order to teach the Dharma and sustain their life through alms.
In the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, wandering is an essential part of practice. Bhikkhus have no fixed residence except during the rainy season (vassa), and must go on alms round to seek sustenance. However, the act of “going for alms” also raises issues of discipline: are bhikkhus permitted to seek alms in an unorganized way, or are there certain rules that must be observed? This sutra is the Buddha’s answer.
Main Content
Cārikanapakkamana concerns rules for when bhikkhus intend to go for alms while wandering. According to the Vinaya Piṭaka, monastics are not permitted to move about arbitrarily without informing the Sangha or without reasonable assignment. This sutra states clearly that when a bhikkhu wishes to leave his residence to go for alms in another locality, he must prepare and observe the following principles:
First, the bhikkhu must have a clear intention (cetana) regarding wandering and alms-gathering. Second, if possible, he should inform the Sangha of his journey. Third, the alms round must be carried out carefully, avoiding actions that may stain the discipline or trouble the local community.
The important point is that the Buddha-Dharma does not forbid wandering, but only regulates that it be carried out responsibly, in accord with the spirit of non-greed, non-delusion, and non-anger (trisikkhapada).
Practical Meaning
The Cārikanapakkamana Sutra teaches that a bhikkhu’s freedom to wander must always be accompanied by self-awareness and responsibility.
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