Lzh Sarv Bi Vb Sk 85Walking Behind
Pāli / Sanskrit:Pacchatogamana
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Pacchatogamana Sutta: Explanation on Walking Behind
Background
The Vinaya Piṭaka is the collection of disciplinary regulations that the Buddha established for the monastic community. The Pacchatogamana Sutta (pacchatoga + gamana = going behind, walking behind) is found in the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga, the rules concerning female monastics. Though it is a text from the Vinaya Pitaka, it does not merely regulate outward behavior, but deeply reflects the psychology of practice and the spirit of discipline in the Dharma.
The background of this text is connected with ordinary situations in the community of monks and nuns. In the early period of Buddhism, when rains retreats took place or when monks and nuns needed to travel, regulations concerning how to move about and how to follow behind one another were gradually established by the Buddha in order to maintain discipline, respect for seniority, and the merit of concentrated attention.
Main Content
The Pacchatogamana Sutta concerns the act of “walking behind” among monastics, especially when female monastics travel in groups. The main rule is that a female monastic should not walk behind (pacchatoga) a bhikkhu or a layman without a valid reason, because this could arouse suspicion or create an improper impression.
The Buddha prescribed that, when it is necessary to travel together, female monastics should travel with other female monastics, avoiding situations that could be misunderstood. If it is necessary to walk behind a bhikkhu, there must be a clear explanation and consent, usually for reasons of study, ascetic practice, or seeking instruction.
This text also mentions exceptional cases: when female monastics follow the Buddha, the senior Sangha, or those with authority to instruct, this is permitted for the purpose of the Dharma (Dhamma). Yet even in such cases, it must be done with awareness and psychological steadiness.
Practical Meaning
On the surface, Pacchatogamana is a disciplinary rule concerning outward conduct.
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