Lzh Mu Bu Pm Pc 71Travelling With Thieves

The Theyyasattha Sutta (Travelling With Thieves)

Explanation According to the Traditional Theravāda Vinaya Piṭaka

Background

The Theyyasattha Sutta is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, expressing the deep concern of Theravāda Buddhism for the integrity and discipline of bhikkhus. The Vinaya Piṭaka is not only a code of conduct, but also a profound treasury of ethical principles that help trainees maintain purity of mind and body.

This discourse was established in the context of the Buddha’s recognition that bhikkhus, while traveling from one place to another, could encounter dangerous or morally sensitive situations. Traveling together with people who lack spiritual ideals, such as thieves or robbers, could affect the reputation and purity of the Sangha. Therefore, the Buddha gave specific guidance to protect both the Dharma and the monastics.

Main Content

The Theyyasattha Sutta deals with a practical yet deeply ethical issue: should bhikkhus travel together with people who have bad actions or bad intentions? This question is not merely about personal safety, but also concerns social law and the responsibility of a practitioner.

According to the spirit of the Theravāda Vinaya Piṭaka, the Buddha did not entirely forbid traveling with such people, but certain conditions and procedures must be observed. The key point is this: if the bhikkhu can show that he did not know beforehand about those people’s bad intentions, or if traveling together has a legitimate purpose, such as alms-seeking or practicing the Dharma, then there is no Pātimokkha offense. However, if the bhikkhu clearly knows that those people intend to commit a crime and still intentionally travels with them, then that is a violation.

This content reflects a basic principle of Buddhist ethics: whether an action is faulty depends on intention (cetanā). The same action can be pure or impure depending on the mental intention of the one who performs it.