San Lo Bu Pm As 6Majority Decision
Pāli / Sanskrit:Yebhuyyasikā
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DISCOURSE ON MAJORITY DECISION
Yebhuyyasika - Vinaya Pitaka
Background
The Yebhuyyasika Sutta (Decision by Majority) is an important part of the Vinaya Pitaka in the Theravada Buddhist tradition. The Vinaya Pitaka was composed to guide the renunciant community (Sangha) in maintaining discipline, harmony, and collective progress in practice.
The historical background of this discourse concerns decisions in the Sangha when disputes or issues requiring resolution arose. In the early stages of Buddhism, as the monastic community developed, a mechanism was needed for making decisions that were fair and acceptable to all. The method of decision by majority (yebhuyyasika) is precisely one such mechanism, taught by the Buddha to maintain order and unity in collective practice.
Main Content
Yebhuyyasika establishes the principle that when the Sangha must make a decision on matters related to the Vinaya or disputes among members, the community will follow the decision of the majority of members (yebhuyya = majority). This is a democratic method, based on collective agreement rather than the arbitrariness of one person or a small group.
This decision-making process follows strict principles. First, the issue must be clearly presented before the entire Sangha. Members have the right to speak, discuss, and exchange opinions freely. Then votes are counted or a vote is taken, and the decision of the majority is accepted as the decision of the entire Sangha.
This principle applies not only to decisions concerning discipline or penalties, but also to matters related to education, management of property, and the organization of common activities. What is important is that the decision must be made openly and fairly, and be known to all members.
Practical Meaning
Yebhuyyasika carries deep meaning concerning democracy, fairness, and collective responsibility in the community of practice. It reflects the Buddha's philosophy of equality among monastics, without distinction of caste or ethnicity.
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