Lzh Mu Bi Pm Pc 36Sending a Monastic Back from Almsround
Pāli / Sanskrit:Uyyojana
Save your scripture progress
Create a free account to save scriptures, track progress, and continue your daily learning path.
Explanation of the Uyyojana Discourse (Sending a Monastic Back from Almsround)
Background
The Uyyojana discourse is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, specifically in the Pātimokkha section of the monastic discipline. This code developed from the rules of conduct that the Buddha established for the Sangha throughout his fifty years of teaching.
The situation in this discourse arose when bhikkhus went on almsround in villages. In Theravāda Buddhism, monastics do not store up food, but go daily on almsround to sustain life. However, at times some bhikkhus might forget when to return to the monastery, or there might be special cases requiring them to be sent back. The Uyyojana rule was established to handle such situations and to ensure order and discipline in the Sangha.
The word “Uyyojana” in Pāli means “sending away” or “sending back,” reflecting the action of a senior monastic or members of the Sangha sending or directing a monastic to return to the monastery from almsround.
Main Content
The Uyyojana discourse states that when a bhikkhu goes on almsround and does not return at the proper time, or when circumstances make it necessary to send him back, a person with authority (usually the elder of the Sangha or a bhikkhu assigned to the task) has the right to send that monastic back. This action is not a severe punishment, but an administrative measure to maintain common discipline.
This rule also sets out the necessary conditions for carrying out such sending in a proper way. There must be a valid reason, such as the bhikkhu violating a rule, or behaving improperly during the almsround. The sending must be done openly before the Sangha, not secretly or arbitrarily.
The discourse also makes clear that this process must follow proper procedures, ensuring fairness and transparency. The bhikkhu who is sent back has the right to know the reason and has the opportunity to explain or correct his conduct.
🌏 The Buddhist canon is vast — some sūtras (such as comparative Vinaya across schools, or untranslated Tibetan-canon texts) have to this day NEVER been translated into Vietnamese or English by anyone, scholars included. Rather than leave it blank, Inti AI offers a FAITHFUL summary grounded in the tradition — from the sūtra's title, origin and essence — so you can still reach this rare part of the treasury. Whenever an original translation exists, the app shows the original first.
Translations belong to the translator/source credited above. The bilingual compilation, presentation, and AI translations compiled by Inti are © Inti Foundation. Please attribute when quoting; do not bulk-copy or use commercially without permission.