Lzh Sarv Bu Pm Sk 10Na milimaṁ

The Na Milimaṁ Sutta: Unfairness

Background

The Na Milimaṁ Sutta, “Unfairness,” is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, specifically in the supreme Vinaya (Parivāra) or the supplementary provisions of the Pāṭimokkha, the list of five hundred precept statements that bhikkhus must observe. This sutta concerns situations in the life of the Sangha where decisions are made without following principles of fairness and transparency.

According to the Theravāda tradition, the Vinaya Piṭaka was constructed not only to establish prohibitions, but also to establish processes and procedures in order to protect harmony (samaggī) and fairness (anukkūla-dhamma) within the Sangha. The background of Na Milimaṁ is connected with disputes or hasty decisions in the Sangha without full consultation of the members or without following the established steps.

Main Content

Na Milimaṁ points out that decisions or activities carried out without fairness, that is, without obtaining the views of all relevant bhikkhus or without following the standard procedures of the Sangha, are not considered valid or in accordance with the Dharma.

The sutta clearly states the principle that any matter in the Sangha must be carried out with common agreement or according to prescribed methods. This includes matters related to discipline, sanctions against bhikkhus who violate the precepts, or other important decisions. When a decision is made without following these steps, it is regarded as “na milimaṁ”: unfair, improper.

This sutta also implicitly indicates that such actions may lead to dispute, division within the Sangha, or even create “schism” (Saṅghabheda), a breaking apart of the Sangha, regarded as one of the most grievous acts in Buddhism.

Practical Meaning

For monastics and devotees practicing according to the Theravāda tradition, the Na Milimaṁ Sutta reminds them of the importance of democratic, transparent, and collective procedure within the Buddhist community.