Lzh Mu Bu Vb Pc 70Travelling by Arrangement
Pāli / Sanskrit:Saṁvidhāna
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Saṁvidhāna Sutta: Traveling by Arrangement
Background
The Saṁvidhāna Sutta (Traveling by Arrangement) is a rule of practice in the traditional Theravāda Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically belonging to the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga (the discipline for nuns). It is a regulation concerning the conduct of female monastics when carrying out communal activities or traveling.
The background of this sutta arose from practical situations in the monastic community. When female monastics needed to move about, travel between monasteries, or participate in collective activities, coordination and proper arrangement were necessary. The Buddha saw the need for clear guidance on how to organize and agree upon such situations, in order to ensure discipline, order, and the protection of the reputation of monks and nuns.
Main Content
Saṁvidhāna (Pāli: saṁ + vidhāna = arranging together) refers to carrying out tasks or actions through common agreement, with the consent and coordination of members of the community. The sutta prescribes that when female monastics wish to undertake certain activities, such as traveling, performing collective rituals, or taking part in communal work, there must be a clear arrangement agreed upon beforehand.
The essential point of this rule is the principle of “common agreement” (saṁvidhāna). Female monastics should not act arbitrarily or autocratically. Instead, they need to consult one another, reach common consent, and follow the plans already agreed upon. This reflects the deep communal character of the Sangha in Buddhism.
The sutta also contains the meaning of individual and collective responsibility. Each member must be responsible for the commitments they have agreed to, while the community is also responsible for protecting the image and reputation of monks and nuns.
Practical Meaning
The Saṁvidhāna Sutta teaches that individual freedom must be balanced with collective responsibility.
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