San Sarv Bu Pm Finot As 1Resolution Face to Face

Explanation of the Sammukhāvinaya Discourse (Resolution Face to Face)

Background

Sammukhāvinaya is one of the important methods of disciplinary governance in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhadharma tradition. The term "sammukhā" means "directly" or "face to face," while "vinaya" refers to discipline or the regulations of the Sangha.

In the time of Buddha Śākyamuni, as the Sangha grew to include thousands of renunciant disciples, disputes, misunderstandings, and violations of discipline were unavoidable. To maintain harmony and purity in the Sangha, the Buddha laid down many methods for resolving disputes. Sammukhāvinaya is one of the most basic and important methods, favored for its effectiveness and wisdom.

This method is best suited to situations in which the disputing parties are present there and can discuss directly in order to discover the truth and a fair solution.

Main Content

Sammukhāvinaya is the method of disciplinary resolution through the disputing parties facing one another before the Sangha. This procedure includes the following basic steps.

First, the accused person has the opportunity to state their reason directly in the presence of witnesses or those concerned. This ensures openness and transparency in the process of handling the matter. No one can be condemned without their voice being heard or without an opportunity to defend themselves.

Second, the Sangha listens to both sides present the matter clearly. If the accused person acknowledges their fault, the matter will be recognized immediately. This acknowledgment is not merely verbal but must arise from true awareness of the fault.

Third, if the person denies it, the Sangha examines evidence and witnesses. Witnesses must present what they know truthfully, without pressure or bias.

Finally, the Sangha makes a decision based on facts and the Dharma-law (Dhamma).