Lzh Mu Bi Vb Sk 1Evenly All Around

The Parimaṇḍala Sutta (Evenly All Around)

Background

The Parimaṇḍala Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, situated within the section that governs the practical aspects of monastic life within the Sangha. The Vinaya Piṭaka is not merely a dry code of rules but is the foundational framework for governing the Buddhist community, serving to preserve the original Dharma across successive generations.

Parimaṇḍala (Pāli: pari = around, maṇḍala = circle, round form) — meaning "evenly all around" — pertains to regulations concerning space, distance, or uniform division within the monastery. This sutta reflects the Buddha's practical concern for the physical organization of the monastic community, as a properly arranged living environment creates favorable conditions for the cultivation of the mind.

Main Content

Although the descriptive information does not provide full details regarding the specific content, based on the general context of Theravāda Vinaya texts, the Parimaṇḍala Sutta likely addresses the arrangement of communal space within the Sangha — such as the distance between rows of dwelling quarters, the division of areas designated for meditation practice, places of assembly, or the layout of the monastery grounds (sanghārāma) — so as to ensure that every member of the monastic community has an appropriate space for practice.

This sutta may also relate to the principle of equity — "evenly all around" — in the distribution of resources, living space, and opportunities for practice throughout the entire community of monastics, without discrimination or partiality. This is an expression of Right View in the governance of the Buddhist community, where no one is regarded with contempt or left behind.

Practical Significance

The deeper significance of Parimaṇḍala extends beyond purely architectural concerns. The Vinaya does not merely regulate conduct; it educates the mind.