Lzh Sarv Bu Pm Pc 80Entering a Village at the Wrong Time
Pāli / Sanskrit:Vikālagāmappavisana
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The Sutta on Entering a Village at an Improper Time
Vikālagāmappavisana
Background
This sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically to the Pātimokkha, the basic code for monks and nuns in Early Buddhism. This is not a Dharma discourse but a rule of training, an indispensable part of nurturing the Sangha, the monastic community. Vinaya texts often present concrete situations, the causes that arose, and then the rule laid down by the Buddha to regulate the conduct of monks.
The sutta on “entering a village at an improper time” (Vikālagāmappavisana) belongs to the Pācittiya collection, offenses requiring correction and confession. The fault concerning the time of entering a village is not as grave as violating the fundamental precepts, but it still must be observed in order to protect the purity of practice.
Main Content
The foundation of this sutta lies in the rule concerning the daily activities of monks. According to the Vinaya, monastics are not allowed to enter a village at certain times, specifically early before sunrise or late after sunset, known as vikāla, an improper time.
The reason behind this rule is very practical. In the Buddha’s time, about 2,500 years ago, a monastic entering a village in the dark or very early could create misunderstandings among local residents. This could damage the reputation of the Sangha and cause suspicion about the intentions of monastics. Moreover, at those times there were many dangers, easily leading to undesirable situations.
When a monk violates this rule, entering a village early or late without a legitimate reason, he must perform pācittiya, that is, confess before another monk, acknowledge the violation, and resolve not to repeat it. This is a form of cleansing a light but necessary fault.
Practical Meaning
This rule reflects the Early Buddhist philosophy of carefulness (appamāda) in action.
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