Lzh Sarv Bu Pm 2 Pc 68Transferring to Another
Pāli / Sanskrit:Vikappana
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The Discourse on Transfer (Vikappana)
Background
The Discourse on Transfer belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, especially among the Pātimokkha rules concerning offenses for monastics. Vikappana, translated as "transfer" or "conferral of authority for transfer," is a form of disciplinary handling related to transferring duties or responsibilities from one bhikkhu or bhikkhunī to another.
In the context of the Sangha during the Buddha's time, the Vinaya regulations were established to protect harmony (samavāya), maintain disciplinary principles, and aim toward the purity of the community. This discourse reflects the Buddha's concern for complex situations arising from the assignment of responsibilities and the management of communal duties or property of the Sangha.
Main Content
The principle of transfer (vikappana) concerns the authority of a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī to transfer a duty or responsibility for managing the property and requisites of the Sangha to another person. This may include transferring responsibility for managing storage, caring for a building, or other duties related to communal life.
However, the Vinaya states that such transfer must not be arbitrary. It must follow specific principles to ensure that the person to whom the duty is transferred has sufficient ability, trustworthy character, and recognition by the Sangha. If the transfer is carried out improperly, or if the person receiving the responsibility is unworthy, this may lead to mistakes, losses, or disturbance within the Sangha.
The discourse also refers to the consequences of improper transfer: for example, if a bhikkhu transfers responsibility to someone without sufficient ability or without the approval of the Sangha, the one who transferred the responsibility may have to bear responsibility for errors or losses arising from that act.
Practical Meaning
The Vikappana Sutta teaches us a profound lesson about moral responsibility in management and the entrusting of communal duties.
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