Lzh Sarv Bi Vb Pc 107Twelve Years of Seniority Without Approval
Pāli / Sanskrit:Paripuṇṇadvādasavassa-asammata
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Sutta: Twelve Years of Practice Without Acceptance
Background
This rule appears in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Patimokkha Sutta, the normative code for monks and nuns. In the Theravāda tradition, the Vinaya Piṭaka is the foundation of communal monastic life (Saṅgha), established by the Buddha to maintain discipline and harmony in the holy community.
The rule “Twelve Years of Practice Without Acceptance” (Paripuṇṇadvādasavassa-asammata) concerns the recognition of a bhikkhu’s or bhikkhunī’s period of training. It is not a narrative, but a concrete legal regulation concerning the lawful conditions by which the monastic community recognizes a member after a period of residence.
Main Content
The content of this rule revolves around the case of a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī who has fully completed twelve years of practice in the community (dvādasavassa paripuṇṇa), but for some reason, perhaps because of violations or disputes within the Saṅgha, has not been formally accepted or recognized by the community (asammata). This creates a troubling legal condition: the person has resided for the required time, yet bears the mark of not having been lawfully validated.
According to the principles of the Vinaya Piṭaka, to be recognized as a proper bhikkhu or bhikkhunī, one needs not only time in training but also explicit approval from the Saṅgha (Sangha-sammati). If this recognition is absent, then even after long residence, the person’s monastic status remains legally incomplete.
This rule states that, in order to resolve such a case, the monastic community must conduct a meeting (Saṅghakamma) to formally accept or refuse recognition of that person. This acceptance is not automatic, but must be decided through an exact legal procedure.
Practical Meaning
This rule marks the importance of transparency and legality within the community of practice.
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