Lzh Sarv Bu Pm 2 Pc 61Intentionally Killing Living Creatures

Interpretation of the Sañcicca Sutta (Conduct Intending to Kill Living Beings)

Background

The Sañcicca Sutta is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, specifically in the Pātimokkha, the recited code of precepts. It is one of the most fundamental prohibitions (sikkhāpada) that monastic Buddhists must observe. The discourse was established when the Buddha Śākyamuni, on a particular occasion, laid down rules for the Sangha in order to protect the purity of the Dharma and the spiritual life of bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs.

The Vinaya Piṭaka is one of the most important divisions of the three baskets, the Sutta, Vinaya, and Abhidhamma, because it records the provisions for ethical practice that monastic Buddhists must follow. The rule on "intentional killing of living beings" (Sañcicca) is regarded as one of the gravest violations, capable of leading to the most serious consequences.

Main Content

The word "Sañcicca" means "with intention," "intentional," or "deliberate." This rule states that if a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī has the intention (cetanā) to kill any living being, whether small or large, that person commits a Pārājika offense, one of the four most serious prohibitions, equivalent to falling away from the Sangha.

The essential point of this disciplinary rule lies not in the physical action but in intention (cetanā). The Buddha-Dharma emphasizes that intention is the root of karma (kamma), and an action becomes a violation of the rule only when it is carried out with clear intention. If a bhikkhu unintentionally kills an insect while walking, this does not violate the rule because deliberate intention is absent.

This disciplinary text also includes specific situations: killing directly with one's own hand, or killing indirectly by instructing another person or using means to cause death. All such actions, if intentional, are considered Pārājika violations.