Lzh Sarv Bu Vb Ss 7Building a Dwelling
Pāli / Sanskrit:Vihārakāra
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EXPOSITION OF THE VIHĀRAKĀRA SUTTA (SUTTA ON BUILDING A PRIVATE DWELLING)
Background
The Vihārakāra Sutta is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Saṅghādisesa section, offenses requiring reconciliation with the monastic community. This sutta concerns rules on building residential structures, especially “private dwellings” (personal vihāras) of monks, separate dwelling places within the monastery.
The Buddha established these rules to manage order in the monastic community, preventing disputes over property, territory, and unfair distribution. The background for this rule was that some monks began building private rooms that were too grand, or occupying monastery land improperly. The rules of the sutta aim to ensure that common property is protected and that any building or renovation of physical facilities is approved and supervised by the Sangha.
Main Content
The Vihārakāra Sutta establishes that if a monk wishes to build a private room or renovate an existing facility, he must not act on his own but must inform the Sangha and obtain approval. During construction, the monk may not decide by himself about scale, cost, or choice of materials; these matters must be discussed and decided collectively.
The rule also establishes the appropriate time and manner of building in accordance with climate and local conditions. A monk must not build excessively, waste common property, or obstruct the practice of others. In addition, this sutta emphasizes that the purpose of building is only to create a suitable living space for practice, not to accumulate property or display personal status.
If a monk violates this rule, for example by building without permission, exceeding the approved scale, or using monastery property without authorization, he must undergo appropriate disciplinary measures, ranging from admonition to other acts of discipline by the Sangha.
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