Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Pc 113Not Following Mentor
Pāli / Sanskrit:Pavattinī-nānubandhana
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Pavattinī-nānubandhana Sutta: On Not Following the Guiding Teacher
Background
The Pavattinī-nānubandhana Sutta is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pātimokkha of the Theravāda tradition. The Buddhist disciplinary code was established to preserve the spirit of the Sangha and to instruct monks and nuns to follow the path of practice.
The term “Pavattinī” (from pavattati: to proceed, function) implies instruction and guidance, while “nānubandhana” means “not following, not complying.” This text concerns the situation in which a monk or nun does not comply with the guidance of a teacher (ācariya) or mentor. This is a basic disciplinary (vinaya) issue connected with respect for hierarchy and obedience within the religious community.
In the Theravāda context, the relationship between student and teacher is the foundation of transmission and practice. Not following the teacher’s guidance is not only disrespectful conduct, but also reflects a lack of respect for the Dharma, for the Sangha, and ultimately for the very path of liberation.
Main Content
The text prescribes that when a monk or nun has a teacher but deliberately fails to follow that teacher’s instructions and guidance, this is a breach of discipline. It is not regarded as a light fault, because it reflects resistance, conceit, and a lack of the necessary humility for progress on the path of practice.
This rule was established for a practical reason: without proper guidance, new monks easily fall into error and lose their way in practice. The teacher does not merely teach the Dharma, but also models a proper life, helping the student recognize mistakes and adjust the path. When a monk refuses this guidance, he cuts himself off from the lineage of training.
Not following the teacher also expresses a lack of faith (saddhā), a fundamental quality of the practitioner.
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