Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Pc 56Travelling With Thieves

THEYYASATTHA SUTTA - A JOURNEY WITH THIEVES

Background

Theyyasattha (Pāli: theyya = thief; sattha = companion, group) is a rule in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, belonging to the Pātimokkha (227 or 311 basic rules, depending on the school). This sutta was recorded to define situations in which bhikkhus should not travel together with people who steal or with suspicious persons.

The background arises from historical accounts in the Vinaya, when the Buddha witnessed disciples encountering danger or becoming caught in complicated situations by travelling with dishonest people. This rule was laid down not in order to discriminate, but to protect the purity of the Sangha, including both the safety of bhikkhus and the reputation of the Buddha-Dharma.

Main Content

In the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, this rule requires bhikkhus to be careful in choosing travelling companions. If a bhikkhu knows that someone in the group is a thief (theyya), or a person intending deceit or disturbance, he should not travel with that group, especially on deserted roads or in remote places.

The main reason for this rule is to prevent three kinds of negative consequences:

First, the protection of bodily safety. Thieves may be pursued by authorities; if a bhikkhu travels with them, he may be mistaken for one of them or drawn into a cycle of violence.

Second, the protection of the Sangha, the reputation of the Sangha and the Buddha-Dharma. When outsiders see a bhikkhu together with thieves, suspicion or criticism of the Sangha’s ethics may arise, weakening the faith of lay people in Buddhism.

Third, the prevention of involvement in dishonest acts. The presence of a renunciant may lead thieves to calculate ways to exploit him, or, conversely, a bhikkhu may encounter unwanted pressure or temptation.