Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Dh Pc 151Not Inviting

Apavāraṇā Discourse (Not Inviting)

Background

The Apavāraṇā discourse is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, in the Pātimokkha section (the basic rules). It is one of the regulations concerning the way of life of bhikkhus, intended to maintain purity and harmony within the Sangha community.

According to the historical background, this rule arose when the Buddha discovered that some bhikkhus were acting improperly in relation to invitations or requests for support from the faithful. In particular, some bhikkhus tried to cause laypeople to carry out actions for which they had not been invited, or independently entered situations that could create misunderstanding. For that reason, the Buddha laid down a rule concerning how to request support formally and clearly, always requiring invitation or approval from the community or the people concerned.

This discourse reflects a core value of the Vinaya Piṭaka: maintaining moral purity, avoiding suspicion or criticism from society, and protecting the reputation of the Teaching as well as the Sangha community.

Main Content

The rule on Apavāraṇā (Not Inviting) concerns the actions of bhikkhus within the community of practice. Specifically, a bhikkhu must not independently perform actions connected with the community or connected with laypeople without a clear invitation or approval from the person concerned.

If a bhikkhu wants to participate in any communal activity, or receive any support from laypeople, he must wait to be clearly invited (āvāraṇā). This applies not only to great matters, but also to small matters if they involve cooperation or support from outside.

The purpose of this rule is to avoid misunderstandings, suspicions, or criticisms that bhikkhus are seeking personal benefit or failing to respect the freedom of others.