San Sarv Bu Pm Finot Ss 5Matchmaking
Pāli / Sanskrit:Sañcaritta
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SAÑCARITTA SUTTA (ARRANGING MARRIAGE)
Background
The Sañcaritta Sutta appears in the Vinaya Pitaka of the Theravada tradition, specifically in the Patimokkha section and the regulations related to the self-discipline of bhikkhus. The historical picture of this text presents situations in the early Sangha, while the Buddha was still alive, where bhikkhus encountered distractions from worldly affection, especially involvement in the marriages of laypeople.
In ancient Indian society, arranging marriage was a weighty responsibility of the family. However, some bhikkhus, not yet fully renouncing old worldly circumstances, became involved in these activities: caring for, suggesting, or even arranging meetings between men and women. This contradicted the spirit of renunciation, because it disturbed the mind of the practitioner and caused concerns within the Sangha.
This text was recorded to set a clear boundary between the holy life of the renunciant and the entanglements of the world, while also protecting the honor of the Sangha in the eyes of the public.
Main Content
The Sañcaritta Sutta revolves around the Buddha’s clear distinction of actions inappropriate to the renunciant life. Specifically, it stipulates that bhikkhus should not participate in activities related to arranging, urging, or suggesting marriage for laypeople, even with good intentions.
The specific prohibited acts include: acting as an intermediary, boasting, or walking together with another person to create an occasion for the two sides to meet; speaking words of suggestion or praising one party before the other; or performing any action for the purpose of promoting the formation of a couple.
The reason for the prohibition is not that these activities are inherently unwholesome (akusala), but that they consume the spiritual energy of the renunciant and cause the loss of concentration (samadhi) and clear understanding (paññā), two important factors on the path of liberation.
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