Lzh Sarv Bu Pm 2 As 6Majority Decision
Pāli / Sanskrit:Yebhuyyasikā
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Sutta on Decision by Majority (Yebhuyyasikā)
Background
The Yebhuyyasikā Sutta is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Parivāra, the appendix to the Vinaya, within the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. It contains detailed instructions on how to administer and settle disputes within the Sangha, the monastic community.
The background for this sutta is connected with the practical needs of the early Sangha. As Buddhism developed, the number of bhikkhus increased rapidly, leading to conflicts over views and the practice of the Vinaya. To maintain agreement and harmony in the monastic body, rules concerning how to make collective decisions were established in a systematic way. The Yebhuyyasikā Sutta is one of those basic rules.
According to the Theravāda tradition, decision by majority (yebhuyyasikā) is regarded as a lawful method for settling disputed matters in the Sangha, especially matters related to legal judgment in the Dharma and Vinaya (Dhammaviniṭṭhapana).
Main Content
Decision by majority is one of the eight methods for settling disputes (aṭṭha ṭhānāni) declared by the Buddha. This method provides that when the Sangha must make a decision on a disputed matter, the agreement of the greater number of the members present is required.
Method of practice: First, the disputed matter is presented before the whole Sangha. The bhikkhus are permitted to express their views. Then a vote is conducted, either publicly or secretly depending on the nature of the matter. The side supported by the greater number is regarded as the official decision of the Sangha.
It is important to note that this method is applied only when other methods cannot settle the dispute. According to Buddhist law, one always first attempts to reach concord (samagga). If complete agreement cannot be attained, then decision by majority is used as a lawful means of settlement.
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