Lzh Sarv Bu Pm Pc 57Obstructions and a Novice
Pāli / Sanskrit:Samaṇuddesaantarāyika
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The Sutta on Obstructions in Training a Novice
Background
Samaṇuddesaantarāyika (Obstructions in training a novice) is a regulation in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon — the legal foundation of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. This rule is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pācittiya section, where regulations on ethical personnel matters are established for bhikkhus and novices (samaṇa).
The context for this rule is the period when the Buddha was teaching at Sāvatthī, where bhikkhus needed to develop the Sangha through the selection and training of novice disciples. The obstructions recorded here are cases in which the process of instruction is hindered, affecting the development of virtue, concentration, and wisdom (samādhi-paññā) in the student.
Main Content
This rule discusses situations in which the training of a novice may be prevented or obstructed. The main obstructions include: when the teacher is bound by other Sangha duties, when the novice is not ready in mind or virtue, or when there are potential conflicts involving gain and fame (lābha-siloka).
Specifically, the Pācittiya rule in this section refers to situations in which a bhikkhu should not accept a novice for training if he cannot provide adequate guidance because he is busy or lacks the capacity. This is intended to protect both teacher and student from negative consequences: the teacher avoids fault due to negligence, while the novice is guided by someone truly capable.
The rule also indicates that the selection of a novice must be based on that person’s genuine spiritual potential, not on external motives such as wanting to increase one’s following or enhance fame (siloka-lābha). This principle affirms that teaching the Buddha-Dharma is a sacred responsibility and cannot be treated lightly or used for personal benefit.
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