Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Ss 14Renouncing the Training
Pāli / Sanskrit:Sikkhaṁpaccācikkhaṇa
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Renouncing the Training Sutta (Sikkhaṁpaccācikkhaṇa)
Background
This discourse is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Early Buddhist tradition, which establishes the institutional structure for governing the monastic community. Sikkhaṁpaccācikkhaṇa, translated as “Renouncing the Training,” is an important legal matter concerning the decision of one gone forth when they wish to leave the life of practice.
During the Buddha’s lifetime, the Sangha community was a place for studying and practicing the teachings and discipline in order to reach nirvana. However, not everyone who went forth was able or willing to continue on this path. The Vinaya Piṭaka recognizes that a monastic may decide to renounce the training, that is, to declare personally that they are leaving behind the vow of practice and returning to lay life. This is not an insult, but a public and solemn act recognized by the law of the Sangha.
Main Content
According to the Vinaya Piṭaka, when a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī decides to renounce the training, they must declare it clearly, usually directly before the Sangha or before members of the community. This declaration is called “paccācikkhaṇa” (renunciation, declaration of departure).
The conditions for renunciation of the training to be recognized are: the person must have full consciousness, must declare it in clear words, and the declaration must be understood by those present. The discourse does not urge forcing one gone forth to remain, nor does it treat this as a sinful insult to the Three Jewels. Instead, the Vinaya Piṭaka simply acknowledges reality: human beings have freedom of will, and the legal community must recognize their choice.
This distinction is very important. When a monastic formally renounces the training, they are no longer bound by the bhikkhu or bhikkhunī rules. However, they are still regarded as someone connected with the Sangha if they return with an attitude of respect.
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