Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Pc 127Ekato viśuddhā

Ekato Viśuddhā Sutta: Purified on One Side

Background

This text belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, specifically the Pātimokkha, the disciplinary rules that monks must observe. Ekato viśuddhā means “purified on one side” or “purified in one respect,” referring to the condition of a monk or nun who has violated a specific rule but still observes others.

The background arose from a practical need in the early monastic community as Buddhism developed. When a renunciant violated a certain rule, the question arose: are they still “clean” in other areas? This is a subtle legal issue, reflecting the wisdom of the Buddhadharma in recognizing that human beings are not wholly pure or wholly impure, but may be purified in certain respects through remedial practice.

Main Content

In the Vinaya Piṭaka, the concept of Ekato viśuddhā is used to describe the state of a monk who still properly observes certain major rules, even though he may have violated others. Specifically, if a monk has not violated a Pārājika offense, an offense leading to exclusion from the Sangha, he is still regarded as “purified on one side,” that is, pure in regard to the gravest rules.

This principle reflects a gradual approach to training in discipline. Not every violation has the same degree of seriousness. The Vinaya Piṭaka classifies offenses into many levels: Pārājika, Saṅghādisesa, Aniyata, Nissaggiya Pācittiya, Pācittiya, Pātidesanīya, and Sekhiya. A renunciant may violate lighter rules while still maintaining the gravest rules, and therefore still preserve the status of a lawful member of the Sangha.

This concept is also related to the declaration or confirmation of monastic status. When a monk makes confession in the course of practice, he may acknowledge his fault to the Sangha or to another monk.