Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Pc 64Entering a Village at the Wrong Time
Pāli / Sanskrit:Vikālagāmappavisana
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Vikālagāmappavisana Sutta: Entering a Village at an Improper Time
Background
This sutta is a regulation in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically belonging to the Pātimokkha, the seventy-two prohibitions for bhikkhus, a basic part of the Buddhist Vinaya. The Vinaya Piṭaka was compiled to establish rules for communal life among bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs in the Sangha.
The rule on “entering a village at an improper time” (Vikālagāmappavisana) arose from a practical need in the early period of Buddhism. Bhikkhus needed to coordinate spiritual practice with the daily activity of going for alms. However, trips into the village at unsuitable times, especially in the afternoon or at night, could lead to undesirable situations: meeting women, lengthy conversations, or social activities not fitting the nature of the renunciant life.
Main Content
The sutta stipulates that a bhikkhu should not enter a village at unsuitable times (vikāla), meaning times other than the early morning alms round. This is an offense in the Pācittiya category, lighter faults for which the offender must confess and be reconciled with the Sangha.
The proper time for a bhikkhu to enter a village is mainly in the morning, from waking until around noon, the traditional period for alms. Restricting village entry in the afternoon and evening is intended to protect the bhikkhu’s concentration (samādhi), avoid unnecessary distractions, preserve the reputation of the Sangha, and build the confidence of the lay community.
In addition, this rule reflects the wisdom of the Buddha-Dharma in anticipating special situations: in the evening, the social atmosphere changes, gatherings may take place, and the possibility of encountering women increases. This is directly connected with the spirit of the Pātimokkha: protecting purity, collectedness, and diligence in practice.
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