San Mg Bu Pm Pc 57Viewing a Military Action
Pāli / Sanskrit:Uyyodhika
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Explanation of the Uyyodhika Sutta
Consideration of Military Action
Background
The Uyyodhika Sutta is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, in the Pātimokkha section (Bhikkhu Pātimokkha), specifically among the Pācittiya rules--offenses requiring confession and correction. This discourse appears in the context of bhikkhus studying and practicing the Buddha Dharma, when the ethical question of observing military activities was raised.
In the time of the Buddha Śākyamuni, kingdoms and peoples were continually in conflict and war. Bhikkhus, though they had gone forth with compassion, still lived amid a society where violence was present. Therefore, the Buddha Dharma needed clear guidance on one's attitude toward such phenomena. The Uyyodhika Sutta is precisely that guidance, establishing principles that help practitioners maintain purity of mind and avoid falling into harmful actions or intentions.
Main Content
The Uyyodhika Sutta concerns observation (uyyodhika), that is, watching or witnessing military events--such as battles, martial practices, or martial displays. This rule forbids bhikkhus from taking part in watching military activities for profound reasons connected with mental intention and concentration.
When a practitioner watches battles or military actions, the mind cannot help being stirred. This agitation leads to:
First, the mind is drawn into curiosity and delight concerning acts of violence. This runs contrary to loving-kindness (mettā) and non-harming (ahiṃsā)--two important pillars of the Buddha Dharma.
Second, observing military actions shakes one-pointedness of mind (ekaggatā)--the single-pointed concentration necessary for meditation and clear wisdom (paññā).
Third, when watching battles, a practitioner may give rise to thoughts connected with fear, power, or ambition for authority--all of which are harmful formations.
The principle of the discourse is not hatred toward those who fight, but protection of the practitioner's collected mind from unwholesome influences.
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