Lzh Sarv Bu Vb Sk 86Walking Behind

Pacchatogamana Sutta (Walking Behind)

Background

The Pacchatogamana Sutta (pacchatā = behind, ogamana = going) is a rule belonging to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda tradition, recorded in the Saṃghabhedavastu or corresponding Vinaya collections. This is a part of the Vinaya Piṭaka, the Buddha's chief collection concerning discipline and the management of the community of those who have gone forth.

The background of this sutta arose from a specific event in the city of Sāvatthī. Some bhikkhus acted improperly by walking behind elders or respected Dharma teachers. This conduct was considered disrespectful and destructive of respect for order in the monastic community. After becoming aware of this behavior, the Buddha issued a rule to regulate the conduct of bhikkhus when walking.

Main Content

The sutta prescribes that when a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī wishes to go about, one should not habitually walk behind those who are older, those ordained earlier, or those respected in the Sangha without a valid reason. If one must go in the same direction, the one behind should show respect by keeping an appropriate distance or stepping to one side.

The reason for this rule is profound: walking behind someone habitually may be misunderstood as a form of following or as a lack of respect. In the context of early Buddhism, where respect for spiritual maturity and seniority in ordination was central, such a rule helps maintain etiquette and order in the community of monks and nuns. This sutta also emphasizes that the rules are not unreasonable restrictions, but means for training the mind and building harmony.

Practical Meaning

The deeper meaning of the Pacchatogamana Sutta goes beyond the specific detail of conduct. It trains us in mindfulness in every step, in the way we interact with those around us. The act of walking, though ordinary, is also an opportunity to practice the Dharma of the mind.