San Mu Bu Pm GBM 3 As 4Majority Decision
Pāli / Sanskrit:Yebhuyyasikā
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THE SUTTA ON MAJORITY DECISION
(Yebhuyyasikā)
Background
Yebhuyyasikā, or "decision by majority," is a text belonging to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda tradition of the Buddha-Dharma. This is the section regulating procedures for decision-making in the community of monks and nuns (Saṅgha), especially in relation to handling disciplinary issues, internal disputes, and important collective decisions.
In the historical context, the Vinaya Piṭaka was formulated to maintain order, harmony, and diligence in the monastic community. These rules were recorded from the time when the Buddha was still alive, in order to resolve specific situations arising in the communal life of bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs. The Yebhuyyasikā Sutta especially emphasizes the importance of unity and of a common voice when deciding matters related to discipline and the development of the Dharma.
Main Content
The core principle of Yebhuyyasikā is the method of decision through a majority vote (yebhuyyasikā kamma). Unlike decisions that must reach complete unanimity or other special cases, decision by majority allows the Saṅgha to act when most members agree, even if not all do.
This discourse regulates the specific situations in which a majority decision has legal force within the community. This includes matters such as handling acts of violation, resolving internal disputes, or adopting new arrangements that serve the common benefit of the Saṅgha. This process must follow strict formal procedures: prior announcement, open discussion, and clear voting.
This rule also regulates the qualifications of those who have the right to vote and the necessary conditions for a decision to be regarded as lawful. Bhikkhus or bhikkhunīs must be fully assembled, or at least must reach a minimum number, depending on the nature of the issue. This ensures that the decision is not made only by a small group or an individual, but truly reflects the will of the community.
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