Mpt Pc 71Travelling With Thieves
Pāli / Sanskrit:Theyyasattha
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The Theyyasattha Discourse: Traveling With Thieves
Background
The Theyyasattha discourse (Travelling With Thieves) is found in the Vinaya, in the Pātimokkha Saṃvara, specifically the Pācittiya section (offenses requiring confession). It is not a doctrinal discourse, but a rule concerning the conduct of monastics in communal life.
This discourse arose from a specific situation during the Buddha's lifetime. Some monastics traveled with robbers and thieves, either not knowing their true identity or perhaps knowing and still associating with them. The Buddha was deeply concerned about this issue because it affected the honor of the Sangha and harmed the trust of the Buddhist community.
Through this discourse, the Buddha laid down a clear rule to protect the purity and dignity of the Order, while also educating monastics about social responsibility.
Main Content
The Theyyasattha rule states that if a monk or nun knows that someone is a thief (theyyasattha, "those whose occupation is theft") and still travels with them on long journeys, shares funds, or intends to support them, then that monastic has committed a Pācittiya offense, an offense requiring confession before the Sangha.
This rule also applies to cases where monastics are not straightforward in dealings, or travel with people engaged in unlawful conduct without valid reason. The Buddha taught that monastics must be careful in choosing companions, for "one who associates with bad friends is defiled by evil people."
This regulation affirms that monastics should live with people of good ethics (kalyāṇa-mitta, good friends), and avoid activities harmful to society. This is a form of protecting the Sangha from suspicion or condemnation by the public, while also teaching ethical responsibility.
Practical Meaning
Theyyasattha teaches us the importance of awareness, vigilance (sampajañña), and voluntary discipline.
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