Lzh Mu Bi Pm Pc 160Not Departing With Disciple
Pāli / Sanskrit:Sahajīvinī-avūpakāsana
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Exposition of the Sutta on Not Abandoning a Disciple (Sahajīvinī-avūpakāsana)
Background
The Sutta on Not Abandoning a Disciple belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, the foundational discipline of the Theravāda Buddhist community of monks and nuns. This is the canonical body that regulates the conduct, way of life, and ethical behavior that renunciants must observe. This code is not merely a set of administrative rules, but also expresses the Buddha’s educational spirit and the ordering of the hearts of his disciples.
The phrase "sahajīvinī-avūpakāsana" from Pāli means not abandoning or not departing from one who lives together. This is one of the disciplinary rules concerning the conduct of bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs in maintaining relationships of study and practice and mutual support. The background of this rule reflects the Buddha’s need to build a well-organized monastic community, where each member bears responsibility toward others.
Main Content
This rule is directly related to the principle that one should not abandon or separate from disciples who are training together, especially those newly entering the path of practice. In the training tradition of the Saṅgha community, each bhikkhu is often entrusted with the responsibility of caring for and guiding newcomers, called "nissaya" (dependent teacher) or "upajjhāya" (preceptor).
This principle emphasizes continuity of guidance and the importance of not leaving another person’s process of training open and unsupported. If a bhikkhu who teaches must leave temporarily or loses contact with a pupil without a legitimate reason, this is regarded as a violation of the discipline. This rule not only protects the rights of the learner but also raises the ethical standard and responsibility of the teacher.
However, the rule also permits reasonable exceptions, such as when the teacher is ill, must go on pilgrimage, or faces circumstances beyond control. What is important is that proper arrangements be made before departure, ensuring that the learner is not left unsupported in the middle of the path of practice.
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