Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Pc 53Transferring to Another
Pāli / Sanskrit:Vikappana
Save your scripture progress
Create a free account to save scriptures, track progress, and continue your daily learning path.
The Vikappana Sutta: The Transfer of a Dharma Function
Background
The Vikappana Sutta (Transfer) belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda tradition, specifically within the Pātimokkha, the basic code for bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs. This sutta was established to regulate situations in which a bhikkhu may transfer rights or responsibilities within the community of practice to another, especially in the context of managing the common property of the Sangha.
The origin of this rule is connected with specific events that occurred in the monastery. The Buddha, with deep understanding of human nature and of the difficulties that can arise from the management of property, laid down clear rules. Vikappana refers to the right to “transfer” or “reassign”: not for the sake of personal convenience, but to maintain order, transparency, and ethics within the Sangha.
Main Content
The Vikappana Sutta stipulates that when a bhikkhu is entrusted with responsibility for managing common property, such as food, robe-cloth, or medicine, or when he holds an important office in the Sangha, he has the right to transfer this function to another. However, such a transfer is not arbitrary; it must follow definite principles.
First, the transfer must be public and witnessed by the Sangha, not a private or secret act. Second, the one receiving the responsibility must be capable, faithful in conduct, and not opposed to taking it up. Third, the purpose of the transfer must be legitimate, usually because of illness or the need to leave the monastery temporarily, not from a desire to avoid responsibility or secure private benefit.
Through these provisions, the Dharma emphasizes that the management of Sangha property is a serious ethical matter. Transfer is not “abandonment” or “evasion,” but a careful and transparent act intended to ensure that communal duties continue lawfully and effectively.
Practical Meaning
The Vikappana Sutta teaches us an important lesson about responsibility and transparency.
🌏 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.