San Mu Bu Pm GBM 2 Pc 71Travelling With Thieves
Pāli / Sanskrit:Theyyasattha
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The Theyyasattha Discourse: Traveling with Thieves
Background
The Theyyasattha discourse (Traveling with Thieves) is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Patimokkha, the basic ethical code of the Buddhist Sangha. This code was established by the Buddha to protect the purity of the Sangha and to educate bhikkhus about actions to be avoided and conduct to be practiced.
This discourse arose from a specific event in the early history of the Sangha. When bhikkhus traveled from place to place to seek almsfood and teach the Dharma, they often traveled with other groups of people. However, the Buddha discovered that some bhikkhus had traveled together with thieves, people intending to commit crimes. This negatively affected the reputation of the Sangha and damaged the relationship of Buddhism with the civil community.
For that reason, the Buddha issued a rule forbidding bhikkhus to travel with thieves or with people intending to commit criminal acts. This rule is intended not only to protect the personal safety of bhikkhus, but also to protect the Buddhist path from suspicion and criticism from the community.
Main Content
The Theyyasattha discourse prescribes that a bhikkhu must not travel, remain in the same group, or go along the same road with people who intend to steal or perform unlawful acts. If a bhikkhu knows that a group with whom he is traveling includes thieves, he must leave that group immediately. This is regarded as observance of the Patimokkha rule.
The reason behind this regulation is profound. First, if bhikkhus travel with thieves and do not intervene, they may be considered accomplices, or at least as sheltering or providing support (nissaya) for immoral actions. Second, if the thieves are caught while traveling with bhikkhus, the reputation of the Sangha will be harmed, causing people to lose faith in Buddhism.
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