Lzh Sarv Bu Pm As 6Majority Decision

The Sutta on Majority Decision (Yebhuyyasikā)

Background

The Yebhuyyasikā Sutta, “Majority Decision,” belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda Buddhist tradition and is an important part of the Vinaya Piṭaka. In the context of the Sangha community, the Buddha established rules for governing the monastic community, and one central issue was how to resolve disputes or decide matters concerning the Sangha without division.

This sutta concerns the method called yebhuyyasikā, “decision by majority,” one of the seven formal methods (sattavidhā sambattisaññā) used by the Sangha to unify opinion and carry out important decisions. This is one of the most ancient democratic principles in religion, recognized by the Buddha as a mechanism for protecting the Sangha body.

Main Content

Yebhuyyasikā is applied when the Sangha needs to make decisions related to accepting a new monk, handling disciplinary matters, or matters of practice. The procedure is as follows: the members of the Sangha vote or express their decision, and the option supported by the majority is regarded as the official decision of the community.

However, this method is not used without limit. The Vinaya clearly prescribes that yebhuyyasikā applies only in certain situations approved by the Buddha. It cannot be used to alter the Bodhisattva precepts or the core laws of the Sangha. Matters related to the Pāṭimokkha (disciplinary code) or teachings directly given by the Buddha must be followed absolutely and cannot be put to a vote.

The deeper value of this method lies in ensuring unity within the Sangha, avoiding division and prolonged disputes. By allowing the majority to decide, the Buddha protected the community from endless debate and ensured that the Sangha could always act with a single voice in practical matters.