San Mg Bu Pm As 1Resolution Face to Face
Pāli / Sanskrit:Sammukhāvinaya
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Sutta on Resolution Face to Face (Sammukhāvinaya)
Background
Sammukhāvinaya, “resolution face to face,” is one of the important disciplinary principles recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. This method was established by the Buddha Gotama to handle disputes, violations, or discord among monks and nuns in the Sangha.
In the history of the early Buddhist community, as the Sangha developed and expanded, issues related to ethics, ritual, and conduct inevitably arose. The Buddha taught that in order to maintain the purity of the Sangha, there must be methods for resolving disputes fairly and transparently. Sammukhāvinaya is one of the most basic methods, emphasizing directness and openness.
Main Content
Sammukhāvinaya means “resolution in the presence of” or “resolution face to face.” This is a method for handling disciplinary violations or disputes when the offender, the accuser, and witnesses are all directly present. This method is regarded as the most straightforward and transparent.
In this procedure, the matter is raised openly before the Sangha or a council of elder monks. The accused has the right to defend himself and present his side. Witnesses may be asked to testify, and the entire process takes place fairly. The final result is decided based on the agreement of the Sangha, ensuring that there is no deception or concealment.
This method differs from other means of resolution, such as resolving through absent witnesses or through logical inference. Sammukhāvinaya is considered the most effective method because of the direct presence of the parties involved, thereby eliminating doubt and ambiguity.
Practical Meaning
Sammukhāvinaya reflects a profound principle in Buddhism: honesty, transparency, and fairness are the foundation of a healthy community.
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