Lzh Sarv Upali 9Questions on Setrling Issues

Sūtra of Questions on the Seven Methods for Quelling Disputes

Background

This sūtra is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, the most important part of the Pāli Canon for recording the rules of life for the community of monks and nuns. The background of the “Seven Methods for Quelling Disputes” (Sattasammatī adhikaraṇasamathā) is connected with issues that arose in the Sangha community during the time of the Buddha. As the community developed, disputes over doctrine (Dhamma) and discipline (Vinaya) became inevitable.

For this reason, the Buddha instructed Buddhists, especially Venerable Upāli, the renowned protector of the discipline, to master these seven ways of resolving disputes. This method is not merely an expedient solution, but also a tool for protecting the harmony and unity of the monks and nuns, the Saṅgha. The Adhikaraṇasamathapucchā Sūtra, the Sūtra of Questions on Quelling Disputes, records Venerable Upāli’s questions for deeper understanding of these methods.

Main Content

The seven methods for quelling disputes (Sattasammatī adhikaraṇasamathā) are:

Sammukhāvinaya — Quelling face to face: the two disputing parties face one another and agree together to resolve the matter under the mediation of the monks and nuns.

Sativinaya — Quelling through recollection: when one side does not clearly remember the matter and the other side does, the side that remembers is regarded as correct.

Amūḷhavinaya — Quelling through non-confusion: the person whose mind is not distracted or hateful is trusted more in determining the truth.

Paṭiññāvinaya — Quelling through acknowledgment: if one side acknowledges the fault, the matter is considered settled.

Yebhuyyasikā — Quelling by majority: the decision is made based on the vote of the majority of the Sangha members.

Tiyassutiyā — Quelling by hearing three times: if, after hearing the statements of both sides three times, the matter still cannot be clearly determined, it is considered quelled according to the rule.