San Lo Bi Pn 48Leftovers

EXPLANATION OF THE LEFTOVER SUTRA (ATIRIKTA-KARMA)

From the Traditional Theravāda Vinaya Piṭaka

Background

The Leftover sutra (atirikta-karma) is recorded in San Lo Bi Pn 48, belonging to the Vinaya Piṭaka of Theravāda Buddhism. These are the rules the Buddha set forth for the Sangha in order to manage communal work. The word “atirikta” means “left over, surplus, excessive,” while “karma” means action. This sutra concerns surplus or unplanned tasks in monasteries, work not anticipated in advance but needing to be done in order to maintain communal life.

The background for the composition of this sutra arose from the practical needs of the monastic community. As Buddhism developed, monasteries (vihāra) needed regulations to manage daily work fairly and effectively. The Leftover sutra is especially important because it addresses the question: how should work be assigned when unexpected situations arise?

Main Content

This sutra teaches that all surplus work outside the plan must be carried out in a spirit of cooperation and without resentment. When the monastic community works together, each person must be willing to accept additional duties without discrimination or complaint.

According to the regulation, unexpected tasks should not be left to one or two people to perform alone. Instead, they should be discussed within the Sangha or carried out by common consent. This ensures fairness, avoids causing excessive fatigue to anyone, and maintains the spirit of harmony in the community.

Tasks such as unexpected repairs to dwellings, responding to bad weather, or other urgent work are all regarded as “atirikta-karma.” The sutra teaches that bhikkhus should take part in these tasks with a mind of kindness and a spirit of practice, not with a negative or reluctant attitude.

Practical Meaning

The Leftover sutra is not merely an administrative rule, but also a profound lesson in sīla (ethics) and samādhi (concentration).