Upp Pc 55Obstructing a Legal Procedure
Pāli / Sanskrit:Kammapaṭibāhana
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KAMMAPAṬIBĀHANA SUTTA (Obstructing a Legal Procedure)
Background
The Kammapaṭibāhana Sutta is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Upasampadā Pācittiya section, the precepts whose violation leads to remorse. This is an essential part of the Vinaya Piṭaka, the collection of ethical regulations that govern the communal life of the Sangha.
In the historical context, the Buddha promulgated these rules to protect the integrity of the Sangha, especially in official procedures of decision-making (kammaṃ, action or formal act). These resolutions are the foundation of Sangha governance: from receiving newcomers into the celibate life to handling violations. Obstructing or interfering with these procedures is regarded as a threat to the unity and order of the noble community.
This text is presented in the typical style of the Pāli Canon: identifying the conduct, the legal consequence, and the conditions for exemption. This is the way the Buddha-Dharma protects the authority of the Sangha through clear legal principles.
Main Content
Kammapaṭibāhana (kamme, in the act or resolution + pati, against + āhana, bringing or drawing toward) refers to conduct that obstructs formal Sangha procedures. The text stipulates that a monk must not intentionally conceal, distort information, or create disturbance while the Sangha is carrying out formal kammaṃ resolutions.
Forms of violation include: (1) concealing a monastic who needs to be present for the resolution; (2) giving false information about the offender or the matter to be handled; (3) drawing attention or creating disturbance while the procedure is being performed; (4) deceitfully persuading others to withdraw from the resolution.
The consequence of this violation is pācittiya, a fault requiring remorse and confession before the great community of the Sangha. This is not among the gravest violations, such as pārājika or saṅghādisesa, but it reflects the importance of truthfulness and transparency in the affairs of Sangha governance.
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