Lzh Sarv Bi Vb Pc 115Not Guiding Disciple After Ordination

Sutta on Not Guiding Disciples After Ordination

Background

This rule is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pācittiya section, rules concerning faults requiring confession committed by bhikkhus. The sutta is named Sahajīvinī-ananuggahaṇa, a Pāli term meaning “not caring for or guiding those monastics who live together,” in this case newly ordained disciples who have just entered the Sangha community.

The background for the arising of this rule concerns the responsibility of senior bhikkhus toward those newly gone forth. According to the Theravāda tradition, when a person enters a monastery and receives ordination, they need guidance from experienced bhikkhus, instruction in the basic rules, methods of practice, and ethics. Without such instruction, new disciples become lost, do not know how to live properly, do not clearly understand the regulations of the Sangha, and therefore easily violate the Vinaya and negatively affect the community.

Main Content

This sutta states that a bhikkhu, after accepting a newly ordained disciple or living together with such a person in the community, has the responsibility to guide and care for that disciple. Specifically, the bhikkhu must teach the disciple the basic rules (Pātimokkha), conduct in various situations, methods of practice, and things to avoid.

If a bhikkhu neglects this responsibility, that is, does not teach or does not guide the disciple carefully, then that bhikkhu commits a Pācittiya offense. This is not the gravest offense in the Theravāda legal system, but it is an offense that must be acknowledged and confessed before the Sangha. This rule emphasizes that spiritual leadership and guidance are not optional work, but a sacred responsibility.