Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Dh Pc 63Entering a Village at the Wrong Time
Pāli / Sanskrit:Vikālagāmappavisana
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The Sutta on Entering a Village at the Wrong Time
Vikālagāmappavisana — The Theravāda Vinaya
Background
This rule appears in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pātimokkha, the list of prohibitions for bhikkhus. It is one of the minor prohibitions (Pācittiya), a light penalty for violations of daily conduct. This rule was recorded to maintain discipline in the community of the Sangha, especially concerning how monastics should conduct themselves when entering a village at an unsuitable time.
In the time of the Buddha, bhikkhus often had to go on almsround among laypeople in order to live. However, there were times when one should not enter a village, such as at night or during bad weather, because this could inconvenience the people or create opportunities for bhikkhus to encounter unnecessary or unsafe situations.
Main Content
According to the Pātimokkha, a bhikkhu should not enter a village at an improper time without a valid reason. The “wrong” time is usually understood as nighttime, from after dark until before dawn, or other unsuitable times. If a bhikkhu violates this rule without a legitimate cause, he must acknowledge it and will incur a Pācittiya offense.
The reason for establishing this rule is not only to protect the personal morality of the bhikkhu, but also to preserve the reputation of the Sangha. A monastic entering a village at the wrong time may be suspected by the people, or may create conditions for unwholesome rumors to arise. This is contrary to the principle of “maintaining purity” (pārisuddhisīla), one of the important qualities of Buddhist ethics.
In addition, this rule is also an expression of wholehearted service to the community. When a bhikkhu observes even these small regulations, it is a way of building trust and respect among the people, thereby helping the Buddha-Dharma spread more deeply and widely.
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