Upp Pc 53Sending a Monastic Back from Almsround

Explanation of the Uyyojana Sutta (Upp Pc 53)

On Sending a Monastic Back from Almsround

Background

The Uyyojana Sutta is found in the Pācittiya section of the Vinaya Piṭaka, recording rules of virtue for initial breaches of discipline by monastics and monks. These are not violations so grave as to expel one from the Sangha community, but they still require repentance and correction of character.

The background of this text is related to the daily life of monastic practice. Almsround, or going to seek food in ordinary inhabited areas, is an indispensable part of the practice of monks. However, this can easily give rise to complex situations: at times a monastic may be detained and unable to return on time, or may be obstructed. Therefore, the Buddha established a clear principle to manage such situations, in order to protect the discipline of practice and the virtue of the Sangha community.

Main Content

The Uyyojana Sutta concerns the case in which a monastic on almsround, for objective reasons, cannot return in time, and another monastic, or a disciple or attendant, has the responsibility to “send” him back. The word Uyyojana means to send away, dispatch, or guide back.

This rule resolves a practical question: is it the fault of that monastic if he cannot return in time because he has been hindered? Theravāda Buddhist law gives great attention to intention (cetanā) and objective circumstances. If the monastic cannot return because he is compelled or meets an obstacle beyond his will, then a responsible person should “send” him back in an appropriate way, perhaps by informing those concerned, or by directly guiding him back to the community.

This text also implies that, if no one carries out the act of “sending” that monastic back, the community should take initiative to look for him and ensure that all monastics return fully by evening to participate in the common activities of practice.