Xct Mu Bi Pm Pc 163Leaving a House

Sutta on Leaving a House

An Explanation from the Traditional Theravāda Vinaya Piṭaka

Background

The “Leaving a House” sutta is a pericope belonging to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. The Vinaya Piṭaka is not a collection of meaningless rules, but practical guidance intended to foster discipline and steadiness of mind in the community of monks and nuns.

This pericope appears in the context of regulations concerning the way of life of Bhikkhus and Bhikkhunīs when they live in or leave private dwellings (vihāra) and the homes of laypeople. It reflects the real situations that the Buddha Śākyamuni witnessed while building the Sangha, and the guidance he gave to maintain harmony as well as the spiritual independence of renunciants.

Main Content

The sutta teaches that when a Bhikkhu or Bhikkhunī leaves a house or private dwelling, they must act with dignity, care, and awareness. This is not merely a matter of outward etiquette, but expresses respect for the dwelling and for those who have received them.

According to the spirit of the Theravāda Vinaya Piṭaka, when departing, a renunciant should perform proper actions: ask permission from the host, check to make sure that no belongings of their own or of others have been left behind, and express gratitude. This is regarded as part of the practice of sīla (moral discipline), because it is directly connected with kusala (wholesome actions) and respect.

This rule also applies conversely to the household host: they should see off bhikkhus or bhikkhunīs respectfully, provide the necessary requisites adequately, and never cause them to feel uncomfortable when leaving. This is an expression of dāna (giving) and mettā (loving-kindness) in the context of the relationship between the Sangha and laypeople.