Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Sk 12Evenly All Around

The Parimaṇḍala Sutra (The Sutra on the All-Around Circle)

Background

The Parimaṇḍala Sutra is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, a collection related to the rules of practice and communal life of monks and nuns. The Vinaya Piṭaka is not merely a set of dry prohibitions, but an expression of discipline (śīla) and diligence (ātāpī) in the life of the Sangha.

This background is raised when the Buddha and his disciples considered how to arrange shared living space, especially the dwellings of monastics. The word “Parimaṇḍala” (pari = around, maṇḍala = circle) refers to an orderly and even arrangement, with nothing crowded, lacking, or excessive. This is an expression of the Noble Eightfold Path (Aṭṭhaṅgika-magga) in practical action: right action (sammā-kammanta) and right livelihood (sammā-ājīva).

Main Content

The Parimaṇḍala Sutra discusses how to organize the dwellings of the Sangha completely (samantagata), so that everything is arranged harmoniously. This includes dividing space, arranging living quarters, common areas, places for gathering to hear the Dharma, and areas reserved for practice.

The meaning of “the all-around circle” is not merely geometric. In Buddhist thought, the circle (maṇḍala) symbolizes completeness, without weak points or gaps. When everything is arranged “parimaṇḍala,” all around in a comprehensive way, it reflects the natural order (dhamma) of the universe. The Sangha is compared to a harmonious community, where each member has an appropriate place and each area has a clear function.

This sutra also emphasizes that a well-arranged Sangha helps bhikkhus concentrate on study and practice. An orderly, uncluttered dwelling place supports the development of concentration (samādhi) and wisdom (paññā).