Xct Mu Bi Pm Ss 8Ekagamana

Ekagamana Sutta: Visiting Alone

Background

Ekagamana (from Pāli: eka = one, gamana = going, visiting) is a disciplinary rule found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. This discourse is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, in the Sutta Vibhaṅga or sections related to the training rules of the Sangha, prescribing the conduct and manner that bhikkhus should follow in daily activities, especially when there is a need to travel or visit alone.

The background of this discourse concerns practical issues arising in the monastic community. The Buddha set forth rules to actively protect the integrity of bhikkhus, limit carelessness, and ensure safety as well as collective effort in practice. The rule concerning "visiting alone" reflects a skillful balance between communal monastic training and the necessary space for personal spiritual development.

Main Content

According to the Theravāda Vinaya Piṭaka, Ekagamana concerns rules for when a bhikkhu needs to leave the residence of the Sangha to visit relatives, another place, or attend to personal matters. The discourse prescribes that the bhikkhu must inform his teacher or senior bhikkhus in the monastery before departing.

The basic principle is that a bhikkhu should not be negligent by himself in observing proper conduct (caritta). When he must leave the group, he should carefully consider the purpose, time, destination, and means. This rule aims to avoid unfortunate situations, such as the bhikkhu falling in mind, becoming deluded, or being careless in keeping the precepts.

In addition, the discourse emphasizes that visiting alone is not an action to be encouraged if it may lead to looseness in practice. A bhikkhu should prepare his mind, maintain clear comprehension (sampajañña), and always be aware that he is a member of the Sangha with responsibility to the community and to the Dharma rules set down by the elders.