San Mu Bu Pm GBM 2 Pc 68Transferring to Another
Pāli / Sanskrit:Vikappana
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The Vikappana Discourse (Transferring)
Explanation from the Theravāda Vinaya Tradition
Background
The Vikappana discourse appears in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically among the Pārājika and Pācittiya rules of the organization of the Sangha. This is not a discourse teaching the Dharma in the ordinary sense, but a disciplinary instruction related to the transfer of responsibility and property within the monastic community.
The background of Vikappana is connected with the growth of the Sangha in the time of the Buddha. As the number of bhikkhus increased, the management of communal property, the transfer of duties in practice, and the handling of special cases required clear principles. Vikappana (transfer) is a legal mechanism within the Sangha to ensure transparency and fairness.
Main Content
Vikappana in the Theravāda tradition concerns a bhikkhu formally transferring property, duties, or benefits of his own to another bhikkhu, with the recognition of the Sangha. This process is not an arbitrary personal act, but must follow strict rules.
When a bhikkhu wishes to transfer property, such as requisites issued for practice or the duty of looking after a particular area, he must do so in the presence of the Sangha or with permission from those in charge. This transfer is recorded, avoiding later disputes or misunderstandings.
The basic principle of Vikappana is clarity and public witnessing (sammukhā). No act of transfer has validity if it is done secretly or in a way that gives rise to dispute. This reflects the transparent spirit of the Vinaya, in which all important disciplinary acts must be performed openly before the Sangha.
Furthermore, Vikappana is also related to the principle of non-private ownership, non-self (anatta) in the sphere of property. A bhikkhu does not own personal property; what he uses belongs to the Sangha.
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