San Mg Bu Pm Sk 63Walking Behind

The Sutta on Walking Behind (Pacchatogamana)

Background

In the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, regulations concerning the bodily conduct of monks and nuns are recorded in detail for the purpose of guiding the monastic community to live according to the true Dharma. The Pacchatogamana Sutta is found in the Suttavibhaṅga, the analysis of disciplinary texts, within the Bhikkhu Pātimokkha, the code for bhikkhus.

This sutta reflects the real-life context of bhikkhus in the early Sangha, the period directly under the Buddha’s guidance. The regulations are not restrictions imposed from outside, but guidelines helping monastics abide in right conduct, deepen their spiritual life, and preserve the confidence of laypeople.

Main Content

“Walking behind” (Pacchatogamana) is understood as the act of a bhikkhu walking behind another person. According to the regulations of the Vinaya, this conduct is connected with etiquette, respect, and moral responsibility.

In particular, this sutta concerns situations in which a bhikkhu follows behind others, perhaps benefactors, those of greater seniority, or in collective settings. The rule makes clear that a bhikkhu must maintain complete awareness of bodily posture, act in accordance with the discipline, and ensure that there is no mistaken action or intention.

This also includes observance of the pañcaśīla (the five basic precepts): not killing, not taking what is not given, not engaging in sexual misconduct, not lying, and not using intoxicants. When walking behind others, especially influential persons such as senior bhikkhus or respected individuals, a bhikkhu must maintain harmony and courtesy, reflecting his genuine cultivation.

This sutta is also related to the principles of hiri (conscientiousness, self-respect) and ottappa (moral dread, a sense of responsibility). These are two core factors of Buddhist ethics, not worldly fear, but deep self-awareness of the consequences of action and the determination not to do wrong.