Lzh Mu Bu Pm Pc 70Travelling by Arrangement
Pāli / Sanskrit:Saṁvidhāna
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The Sutta on Travelling by Arrangement (Saṁvidhāna) — Explanation
Background
The Saṁvidhāna Sutta is dated within the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, in the Pātimokkha section, the code of binding rules. This discourse reflects practical situations in the community of monks and nuns regarding travel, going from one place to another. These are regulations concerning arrangements and agreements between teachers and disciples or among members of the Sangha when travel is needed.
The historical background shows that the Buddha permitted the Sangha to travel in order to spread the Dharma and visit other places of practice. However, arbitrary movement could cause disorder in the community, affecting the discipline and order of the collective. Therefore Saṁvidhāna, provisionally translated as “arrangement” or “agreement,” was established to regulate a reasonable manner for such travel. The word “saṁvidhāna” includes the meanings of prior arrangement, agreement of views, and consent among the parties concerned.
Main Content
In the spirit of the Vinaya Piṭaka, this discourse relates to regulations stating that when a teacher-monk (bhikkhu) or nun (bhikkhunī) intends to travel, there should be a clear arrangement or agreement with the teacher (ācariya) or with other members of the community. This ensures that absence does not cause loss of discipline or lack of responsibility toward shared duties.
Saṁvidhāna emphasizes that one should not leave on one’s own without informing others or asking permission. This arrangement includes clearly stating the time, place, purpose, and when one will return. If there are schedules or shared responsibilities in the monastery, they need to be properly dealt with before departure. This principle is not meant to restrict freedom, but to protect order, trust, and collective responsibility.
The discourse also implicitly indicates that this arrangement is not merely a matter of discipline, but also a matter of courtesy (vinaya) and mutual respect. A practitioner with a calm mind and mindfulness will naturally recognize the importance of clear notification and reasonable agreement.
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