Xct Mu Bi Pc 135Departing Without Taking Leave
Pāli / Sanskrit:Anāpucchāpakkamana
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Sutra on Departing Without Asking Permission
(Anāpucchāpakkamana - Xct Mu Bi Pc 135)
Background
In the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, the regulations concerning the life of monks and nuns are not only matters of disciplinary administration, but also reflect the spirit of community and mutual respect. The Anāpucchāpakkamana is recorded in the Pacittiya section, rules that require confession after an offense, in order to guide bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs in proper conduct within the Sangha community.
This text concerns the situation in which a bhikkhu leaves a monastery or place of residence without reporting to, or asking permission from, preceptors or elders in the community. This is not a question of personal freedom, but a question of collective ethics and respect within the Sangha.
Main Content
According to the rule stated in the Vinaya Piṭaka, if a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī leaves the community residence without reporting to their preceptor or elders, this act is considered a Pacittiya offense, a rule requiring confession. This act is called Anāpucchāpakkamana, meaning “departing without asking permission” (anāpucchā = without asking permission, pakkamana = departing).
The conditions for this act to be regarded as an offense include the practitioner’s intentionally leaving the residence without informing, consulting, or asking permission from those responsible for guidance. The text emphasizes that, whatever the reason for departing may be, if reporting or notification is lacking, the act is still considered improper according to the regulations of the Sangha.
The purpose of this rule is not to restrict personal freedom, but to ensure connection, shared responsibility, and mutual care within the monastic community. When a bhikkhu leaves without reporting, those who remain do not know where he has gone, whether he is in danger, or when he will return.
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