San Sarv Bu Pm Tf 11 Pc 16Throwing Out a Monastic
Pāli / Sanskrit:Nikkaḍḍhana
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Nikkaḍḍhana Sutta: On Expelling a Bhikkhu
Background
Nikkaḍḍhana, expulsion, is a prohibition belonging to the Pātimokkha, the basic code for bhikkhus in the Theravāda tradition. This teaching is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the section regulating conduct that violates the vows of celibacy of bhikkhus. Its background arises from specific situations in the early monastic community, when the Buddha needed to establish rules to protect the purity and internal discipline of the Sangha.
This rule is directly related to maintaining the integrity of the monastic community. When a member of the Sangha acts contrary to the vows of renunciation, or violates fundamental principles to the point of causing harm to the Sangha itself and to the faith of devotees, expulsion is not a cruel punishment but a measure to protect the purity of the collective.
Main Content
Nikkaḍḍhana states that a bhikkhu may be expelled from the Sangha when he violates the most serious prohibitions. In the Pātimokkha system for bhikkhus, violations are classified according to seriousness, from minor faults requiring acknowledgment (dukkaṭa) to complete defeat offenses (Pārājika), which lead to permanent removal from the Sangha.
This rule is not to be applied personally or vengefully. Instead, it must be carried out through a formal procedure of the Sangha, witnessed by senior bhikkhus and through careful stages of examination. A decision of expulsion is considered lawful only when the monastic community has reached consensus, expressing respect for a democratic procedure even in matters of discipline.
A bhikkhu who has been expelled loses all privileges and status within the Sangha. He is no longer to be served by other bhikkhus and may not participate in official ceremonies or meetings of the Sangha.
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