Upp Pc 72Travelling With Thieves

Theyyasattha Discourse — Thieves on the Road

Background

The Theyyasattha discourse is found in the Pācittiya section, Upp Pc 72, of the Pāli Vinaya Piṭaka, a detailed legal section on offenses requiring confession (pācittiya) for bhikkhus. The Pācittiya section is an essential ethical foundation in the Pātimokkha Vinaya, prescribing the pure way of life of the Theravāda Buddhist Sangha.

The background of the discourse concerns safety and ethical responsibility when bhikkhus travel on the road. In the sixth century before the Common Era, when the Buddha and his disciples wandered through India, travel was not always safe. Many bands of thieves operated on the roads, threatening the lives and property of those who passed by.

Main Content

The Theyyasattha discourse states that a bhikkhu should not journey together with those known to be thieves or to have unlawful aims. If a bhikkhu is aware that the people traveling with him are thieves or intend to cause harm, and yet continues to go with them for a considerable distance, that bhikkhu commits a pācittiya offense.

This is not merely a prohibition, but a profound instruction on association and karmic responsibility. When a bhikkhu knows that someone intends to do evil and still willingly accompanies them, he becomes an accomplice in that action, even if only mentally. This violates the core principle of the Vinaya, namely, keeping away from actions that defile the spiritual life.

This rule also protects the honor of the Sangha community. If bhikkhus often appear with thieves, even if innocent, worldly people will associate Buddhism with unrighteous actions, diminishing faith.

Practical Meaning

The discourse teaches us that the choice of those with whom we travel, and the relationships we maintain, has deep spiritual significance.