Lzh Mu Bi Pm Pc 78Attending a Monk

The Sutta on Attending Monks (Upatiṭṭhana)

Background

The Upatiṭṭhana Sutta is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, within the section on rules of conduct among monks (bhikkhus) in the monastic community. During the time of the Buddha Gotama, as the Saṅgha expanded, faults in the way monks treated one another became widespread, threatening the harmony and purity of the Saṅgha.

The Buddha established the Pātimokkha regulations (rules of restraint) in order to maintain discipline and provide guidance. The Upatiṭṭhana Sutta addresses a specific problem: newly ordained monks or those who have not been properly instructed will fall into indiscipline and lose mindfulness. The Buddha therefore taught that every monk should have a senior preceptor (upajjhāya) or teacher (ācariya) to guide him in his practice, correct his faults, and assist him on the path to liberation.

Main Content

The word "Upatiṭṭhana" (उपतिष्ठान) means "waiting upon, serving, attending closely." This sutta emphasizes that a young or newly ordained monk entering the Saṅgha must have an experienced teacher to instruct and guide him in his practice.

The main content of the sutta revolves around three responsibilities of the preceptor or teacher: first, to instruct the junior monk in the basic ceremonial forms and the Vinaya; second, to examine whether the one being guided is observing the five precepts; and third, to help him develop wholesome qualities through teaching, by setting a good example, and through guidance.

In addition, the sutta also sets forth the responsibilities of the one being guided: to respect, to listen, and to fully carry out the instructions of the teacher. This relationship is not founded on familiarity or the exercise of authority, but on reverence, faith (saddhā), and the shared aspiration to progress toward liberation.