San Sarv Bu Pm Tf 11 Sk 12Evenly All Around

The Parimaṇḍala Sutta: Exposition on Evenness All Around

Context

The Parimaṇḍala Sutta (Pāli: Parimaṇḍala, provisionally translated as "Even All Around") is a part of the Vinaya Piṭaka in the early Buddhist tradition. The Vinaya Piṭaka is the collection of rules of living and ethical discipline taught by Buddha Śākyamuni to bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs in order to maintain harmony in the Sangha.

This text belongs to the Suttavibhaṅga or Khandaka, specific provisions related to methods of practice and procedures for collective cultivation. The content of Parimaṇḍala concerns the way the community of monks and nuns is to perform ceremonies, meetings, or organize work fairly and evenly for all members.

The term "Parimaṇḍala" means "circle" or "circumference," symbolizing equality, without distinction of position or role, with all being considered fairly and comprehensively.

Main Content

The Parimaṇḍala Sutta emphasizes the principle that when the Sangha gathers to carry out common affairs, the distribution of responsibilities, rights, benefits, or resources must be performed fairly and in a way that includes the whole membership. There should be no favoritism or discrimination based on health, status, or private factors.

The text instructs that collective activities, whether the division of property, assignment of work, or organization of practice events, must follow a single standard (parimaṇḍala), that is, a clear circle without angles or injustice. Each member of the Sangha, whether senior or newly gone forth, has the right to be considered fairly.

This reflects the spirit of early Buddhism, which teaches that practice is not for seeking personal advantage or favoritism, but for developing shared virtue and harmony in the community. The practice of fairness (samapariggaha, "equal possession") is the basis for building a wholesome Sangha.