San Sarv Bu Pm Finot Pc 80Entering a Village at the Wrong Time
Pāli / Sanskrit:Vikālagāmappavisana
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THE SUTTA ON ENTERING A VILLAGE AT THE WRONG TIME (Vikālagāmappavisana)
Background
This discourse belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of Theravāda Buddhism, in the Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha section, the list of disciplinary rules that women who have gone forth must observe. It is one of the detailed teachings intended to protect the purity of the community of bhikkhunīs, while also maintaining the reputation of the Sangha in society.
The discourse is classified as Pācittiya, that is, among offenses requiring self-disclosure and confession. The rule concerning the times for entering and leaving a village reflects the practical nature of Buddhist ethics: not only avoiding wrongdoing, but also avoiding circumstances that may give rise to suspicion or provocation.
Main Content
According to this teaching, a bhikkhunī is not permitted to enter a village at unsuitable times (vikāla). Specifically, “the wrong time” primarily refers to evening hours when the light is fading, or early morning when things are not yet clear. These hours contain risks: they are easily misunderstood, there may be no one to witness legitimate actions, and the likelihood of encountering unsafe circumstances increases.
The deeper reason for this teaching lies in the principle of “paranimmita”: avoiding actions that may arouse doubt or criticism from laypeople and those outside the Sangha. Buddhists should remember that one who has gone forth not only trains personally but also embodies the Dharma in society, and must always preserve trust.
If a bhikkhunī violates this rule, that is, enters a village at an unsuitable time without a necessary reason, she must disclose the offense to her teacher (ācariya) or to the bhikkhunīs accompanying her. Sincere confession restores her to a state of purity.
Practical Meaning
The teaching on vikālagāmappavisana is not unreasonable severity, but a practical expectation of mindfulness and responsibility. It teaches that ethical subtlety lies not only in intention, but also in the context and timing of an action.
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