Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Pc 38Obstructing a Legal Procedure
Pāli / Sanskrit:Kammapaṭibāhana
Save your scripture progress
Create a free account to save scriptures, track progress, and continue your daily learning path.
Scripture on Obstructing a Legal Procedure: Kammapaṭibāhana
Background
The rule concerning obstruction of a legal procedure (Kammapaṭibāhana) is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of Theravāda Buddhism, specifically in the Pātimokkha, the basic disciplinary code for the Sangha. This rule belongs to the Pācittiya section, that is, wrongful actions requiring confession and purification.
The background for the formation of this rule arose from events in the Sangha community when certain monks obstructed or disrupted legal procedures, formal activities organized according to proper process to handle disciplinary matters, internal decisions, or confirmations of decisions related to the teaching. Acts such as speaking offensively, creating disorder, or intending to obstruct proceedings conducted in accordance with the Dharma could weaken the unity and order of the Sangha.
Main Content
Kammapaṭibāhana, from kamma (act, formal resolution) and paṭibāhana (blocking, obstructing), states that a monastic must not intentionally obstruct or create an obstacle to a lawful legal procedure (kamma) of the Sangha.
Legal procedures are official acts of the community, such as performing formal ceremonies, handling disciplinary violations, selecting offices, or making important decisions. These procedures have force only when carried out properly, with the presence and formality of the Sangha.
Obstruction may appear in many forms: improper interference, making noise, insulting participants, or deliberately breaking the necessary quiet. The key point is the intention to obstruct. If a monastic does not intend it but accidentally causes disturbance, this is not a violation of this rule.
This rule emphasizes the importance of unity (samaggī) in the Sangha. Only a united Sangha, functioning in order, can maintain the Dharma sustainably. When a procedure is lawfully performed, it binds everyone.
🌏 The Buddhist canon is vast — some sūtras (such as comparative Vinaya across schools, or untranslated Tibetan-canon texts) have to this day NEVER been translated into Vietnamese or English by anyone, scholars included. Rather than leave it blank, Inti AI offers a FAITHFUL summary grounded in the tradition — from the sūtra's title, origin and essence — so you can still reach this rare part of the treasury. Whenever an original translation exists, the app shows the original first.
Translations belong to the translator/source credited above. The bilingual compilation, presentation, and AI translations compiled by Inti are © Inti Foundation. Please attribute when quoting; do not bulk-copy or use commercially without permission.