San Lo Bi Vb Pj 8Siding With One Ejected
Pāli / Sanskrit:Ukkhittānuvattikā
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Explanation of the Ukkhittānuvattikā Sutta (Following One Who Has Been Expelled)
Background
The Ukkhittānuvattikā Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically the Pārājika section, the most serious offenses in the rules for monks and nuns. The background of the sutta concerns disciplinary matters in the Sangha during the Buddha’s lifetime. This sutta addresses a complex situation: when a monastic has been expelled by decision of the Sangha community for violating a prohibition, other monastics who continue to follow, communicate with, or support that person are subject to legal consequences.
Expulsion (ukkheppa) is not a spontaneous punishment, but the result of a proper process of accusation, examination, and voting by the entire Sangha. It marks the complete isolation of the offender from the monastic community until that person repents and is accepted for readmission.
Main Content
The sutta clearly establishes that any monk or nun who “follows” (anuvattaka) or supports a person officially expelled by the Sangha violates the fourth Pārājika. This means that they will be required to leave the Sangha and are no longer official members.
“Following” here does not mean ordinary communication alone, but the active act of supporting or obeying the instructions of the expelled person. This includes accepting food from them, traveling together, or publicly defending them before the whole Sangha.
This rule reflects a basic principle of the Sangha: when a disciplinary decision has been lawfully passed, all members must comply. The unity of the monastic community is the foundation for maintaining discipline and respect for the Dharma. If small groups are allowed to defy the decision of the Sangha, the disciplinary system will collapse.
However, the sutta also clearly distinguishes between “avoiding contact” and “cold rejection.” A monk or nun need not treat the person badly or cruelly, but simply must not publicly support or follow the instructions of the expelled person.
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