San Lo Bu Pm Ss 4Encouraging Someone to Serve One’s Desires
Pāli / Sanskrit:Attakāmpāricariya
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The Scripture on Encouraging Service to Desire
Background
The Attakāmpāricariya scripture is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, the collection of rules and guidelines governing the community of monks and nuns. In the Theravāda tradition, the Vinaya Piṭaka is not merely a list of prohibitions, but a tool for educating the mind and building a community of right practice. This scripture is recorded in the section called "Saṅgha Bhedaka," actions capable of causing division in the monastic community.
The background of the scripture's arising is connected with incidents in which monks or nuns, instead of focusing on the practice of liberation, tried to encourage other members to pursue desires, sensual cravings (kāma), and personal gain. This is contrary to the spirit of going forth: renouncing enjoyment for the liberation of the mind.
Main Content
This scripture teaches about the fault and consequences of encouraging others to pursue one's own desires. In the context of the monastic community, when a person of status or influence performs "attakāmpāricariya," that is, cooperating, serving, or encouraging others in order to satisfy one's own personal wishes, this is prohibited conduct (Pārājika or Saṅghādisesa, depending on the degree).
Specifically, the scripture warns that no one should use their influence or authority to entice members of the community for selfish ends. This action breaks the harmonious dwelling together (samavāyasampadā), the key condition for the community of monks and nuns to practice rightly and develop insight.
The scripture emphasizes that true strength lies in restraint and self-control (daṇḍa, inner discipline), not in dominating or influencing others. Monks and nuns should be a safe refuge, a place where others can learn equanimity and spiritual flexibility, without becoming dependent on any individual.
Practical Meaning
The deeper meaning of this scripture extends beyond the early monastic community.
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