Lzh Mu Bi Vb Sk 8Evenly All Around (2nd)

Dutiyaparimaṇḍala Sutta - The Even Circle All Around (Second Time)

Background

The Dutiyaparimaṇḍala Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, in the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga, and consists of subtle regulations concerning the life of bhikkhunīs. The content focuses on prohibitions in collective practice, especially the even distribution of space and order when bhikkhunīs perform the Dharma together, particularly during Uposatha days or occasions of communal recitation of the discipline.

This sutta (dutiya = second) is the second exposition of the principle of “parimaṇḍala” — a circle or an arrangement evenly all around. It is an integral part of the Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha, the basic code for bhikkhunīs, established to protect communal harmony (saṃgha), cultivate concentration (samādhi), and maintain discipline in practice.

Main Content

In this section, the Buddha prescribed that when bhikkhunīs gather for a ceremony or to recite the Pātimokkha (227 training rules), they must arrange themselves in an orderly form — a circle or straight rows — so that no one is slighted, and no one arbitrarily pushes ahead of or obstructs others. This principle aims to accomplish three important things:

First, fairness and mutual respect within the Saṃgha. No one sits higher or lower, but all are arranged in a clear order without disorder.

Second, an even arrangement helps maintain the focused attention (sati) of each person. When everyone knows their place in the community, the mind becomes steadier, allowing contemplation to deepen.

Third, it reflects the principle of the “dhamma-cakka” — the wheel of Dharma without a center of privilege or preferential place; all are equal before the Dharma (dhamma). These regulations are sekhiya sīla — training rules concerning minor behavior but with profound meaning.