Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Pc 107Twelve Years of Seniority Without Approval
Pāli / Sanskrit:Paripuṇṇadvādasavassa-asammata
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Sutta: Twelve Years of Certification Without Approval
Background
This text appears in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pātimokkha, the prohibitions of the Sangha. It is one of the monastic legal cases concerning recognition of seniority (vassūpanāyika) in the Buddhist Sangha.
According to the Theravāda tradition, twelve years of cultivation (vassā, rains seasons) is a sufficient period for a monastic to be recognized, yet the issue here concerns one who has no official approval from the Sangha. This situation arises when a monastic, after having practiced for a full twelve rains seasons, still has not received official approval through an assembly of the Sangha.
The Vinaya Piṭaka records matters of rank, rights, and duties among members of the Sangha. This text reflects a practical situation in which the system of recognizing monastic seniority has exceptions or disputes.
Main Content
The legal issue here revolves around the validity of monastic seniority. According to Vinaya rules, a renunciant needs official recognition, that is, approval by the Sangha and public confirmation of rank. Ordinarily, this is a solemn act performed in an assembly.
However, the Vinaya Piṭaka provides regulations for special cases. If a monastic has practiced continuously for twelve rains seasons and still has not received official approval (asammata), the legal system of the Sangha still gives guidance on how to handle the matter. This ensures that distinctions of seniority in the Sangha are maintained fairly, even in difficult situations.
The historical context shows that matters of recognition were not always resolved quickly. This might be due to administrative reasons, or to disagreement within the Sangha. The Vinaya Piṭaka therefore prescribes clearly: after twelve years of practice, the seniority of the monastic is to be recognized according to the rule, whether formally or otherwise, in order to protect that person’s rights and maintain order in the Sangha.
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