Lzh Mu Bu Vb Pc 77Leaving Without Giving Consent

Chandaṁadatvāgamana Sutta: On Leaving Without Consent

Background

The Vinaya Piṭaka is the sacred collection recording the rules and instructions that the Buddha established for the community of monks and nuns. The Chandaṁadatvāgamana Sutta belongs to the Pācimokkhasutta Vibhaṅga (Exposition of the Training Rules in the Pātimokkha), specifically among the Pācittiya rules, offenses that must be confessed. This code was compiled to guide monastics in living harmoniously, respecting one another, and maintaining order within the monastic community.

This rule arose from concrete situations in the common life of monastics. When the Buddha recognized problems related to order, respect, and trust within the Sangha, he established rules to protect and nurture common harmony (samaggī).

Main Content

The Chandaṁadatvāgamana rule forbids monastics, especially those in positions of leadership or communal responsibility, from leaving a place, such as a monastery, an assembly of monastics, or a Sangha event, without the consent or prior notification of others in the community. Chandaṁ, consent or approval, is not an absolute compulsion here, but an expression of mutual respect and shared responsibility.

This offense is considered Pācittiya, that is, an offense requiring confession before the Sangha and the performance of rites of atonement. It is not among the heaviest offenses, such as Pārājika or Saṅghādisesa, but it is still a matter that must be resolved in order to maintain purity and harmony.

The context for applying this rule is especially connected with those who have administrative responsibilities, such as monastics entrusted with managing requisites or dwellings, or those appointed to lead. Leaving without notice may cause disturbance, make others anxious, or interrupt communal work.