Lzh Sarv Bu Pm 2 Pc 80Entering a Village at the Wrong Time

Vikālagāmappavisana Sutta (Entering a Village at the Wrong Time)

Background

This discourse belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, the most important component of the Pāli Canon, recording the rules of practice and governance of the monastic community established by the Buddha Gotama. Vikālagāmappavisana, entering a village at the wrong time, is a regulation concerning the conduct of bhikkhus in daily life, especially activities in the evening or at unsuitable times.

In the context of early Buddhism, these regulations were not meant to restrict freedom, but to protect the vows of monastics, maintain collective discipline, and reduce external suspicion about their conduct. Bhikkhus were encouraged to live openly and transparently, avoiding circumstances that could easily give rise to speculation or doubt.

Main Content

The regulation on entering a village at the wrong time emphasizes that bhikkhus should not enter a village at unsuitable hours, especially in the evening (vikāla), without a legitimate reason. According to the Vinaya tradition, "evening" generally indicates the time from sunset until dawn.

This regulation arose from practical reasons: in the evening, entering a village may cause misunderstanding about the bhikkhu's purpose. In addition, going out in the darkness also involves danger to safety and may lead to awkward situations or conduct unsuitable for a monastic. Maintaining purity of conduct (cāritta) concerns not only action, but also how others perceive it.

Exceptions are allowed if a bhikkhu has a credible reason, such as the need to visit the sick, deal with important communal matters, or respond to emergencies. However, even in such situations, the bhikkhu should try to act with clarity and inform the community or other monastics of his purpose.