Lzh Mu Bi Vb Pc 46Intentionally Killing Living Creatures
Pāli / Sanskrit:Sañcicca
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The Sañcicca Rule: Intentionally Killing Living Beings
Background
The Sañcicca rule belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically among the Pātimokkha rules for bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs. This is the body of discipline that the Buddha established to protect the sacred character of the Sangha community and to ensure the pure practice of his disciples.
The rule on “intentionally killing living beings” (Sañcicca pāṇātipātā) is considered one of the gravest violations in the life of a monastic. It is placed among the Pārājika offenses, acts that cause a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī to be expelled from the Sangha, without possibility of rehabilitation.
In the social context of early Buddhist India, killing living beings, whether insects or larger animals, was regarded as an act producing heavy bad karma. For those who had gone forth, this became especially important, because they had abandoned worldly life in pursuit of liberation.
Main Content
The Sañcicca rule clearly states that a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī is considered to have committed a Pārājika offense, one of the gravest offenses, if he or she intentionally (sañcicca) kills any living being (pāṇa) with the clear intention of causing death.
The element of “intention” (sañcicca) is the key to this rule. It is not an accidental causing of death, but actions undertaken with a conscious mind, with purpose and determination to cause the death of a human or animal. This includes prior preparation, choosing the means, and carrying out the act.
This rule applies to all living beings, from tiny insects to large animals. There is no exception based on the type of being or the reason for killing. Even if the animal is dangerous or there is a reason of self-defense, a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī still may not intentionally kill it.
The consequence of this violation is very grave: the offender must leave the Sangha immediately and cannot be rehabilitated or forgiven by the Sangha. This is complete removal from the community of practice.
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