Lzh Sarv Bi Pm As 1Resolution Face to Face

Discourse on Resolution Face to Face (Sammukhavinaya)

Background

Sammukhavinaya, or Resolution Face to Face, is one of the methods for handling violations of Sangha discipline recorded in the Vinaya Pitaka of the Early Buddhist tradition. This discourse arises from the foundation of Buddhist discipline (Patimokkha), the ethical and disciplinary system established by the Buddha for the community of monks and nuns.

In communal life, violations of rules inevitably occur. To maintain purity and harmony in the Sangha, Early Buddhism developed a system for handling offenses fairly, transparently, and with the aim of personal improvement. Sammukhavinaya is one of the most basic approaches, regarded as the fairest and most direct.

Main Content

Sammukhavinaya, translated as “Resolution Face to Face” or “Resolution in the Presence,” is the method of handling an offense when the offender, the accuser, and the entire Sangha community are directly present. This is regarded as the clearest form of legal procedure in Buddhist law.

The process takes place according to specific steps. First, the offending act is brought forward publicly. The accused has the right to defend, explain, or admit. Members of the Sangha who understand the Patimokkha rules consider the matter fairly. If the offense is confirmed, a decision (natti) is made and passed through the consensus of the Sangha community.

The important point of Sammukhavinaya is absolute transparency. There is no secrecy or concealment; everything takes place before the community. This ensures that the decision is made on the basis of the community’s full understanding and cannot be doubted as to its fairness. The offender also clearly understands the reason and nature of the wrongful act, and thereby has the opportunity to correct themselves.