Xct Mu Bi Pc 174Within Their Own Country
Pāli / Sanskrit:Antoraṭṭha
Save your scripture progress
Create a free account to save scriptures, track progress, and continue your daily learning path.
Explanation of the Antoraṭṭha Sutra (Within One’s Own Territory)
Background
The Antoraṭṭha is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pātimokkha section, the basic ethical rules for bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs. This is not a doctrinal discourse (Sutta), but monastic law, established by the Buddha to protect harmony in the Sangha and guide monastics in living purely.
In the context of India during the Buddha’s time, local regions had their own rules for governing residents. This text concerns an important principle: violations committed by monastics within their own territory (antoraṭṭha), that is, the residence of the Sangha, will be subject to stricter discipline. This reflects the Buddha’s awareness of the importance of controlling conduct within the monastic community.
Main Content
This legal text handles cases of violations occurring within the monastery or official residence of the Sangha. The Buddha prescribed that if a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī commits improper acts within their own territory, whether disturbing the harmony of the Sangha, insulting other practice places, or embezzling communal property, they must undergo stricter measures than for similar violations occurring elsewhere.
This principle is based on the understanding that the Sangha’s residence is a sacred space, a place where the spiritual strength of the teaching is concentrated. When disturbance occurs there, it affects not only the individuals involved but also undermines the stability and purity of the whole community. Therefore the handling must be stronger and more public, in order to educate other monastics as well as restore the trust of the Order.
Practical Meaning
The Antoraṭṭha teaches us a deep principle concerning responsibility within a community of practice.
🌏 The Buddhist canon is vast — some sūtras (such as comparative Vinaya across schools, or untranslated Tibetan-canon texts) have to this day NEVER been translated into Vietnamese or English by anyone, scholars included. Rather than leave it blank, Inti AI offers a FAITHFUL summary grounded in the tradition — from the sūtra's title, origin and essence — so you can still reach this rare part of the treasury. Whenever an original translation exists, the app shows the original first.
Translations belong to the translator/source credited above. The bilingual compilation, presentation, and AI translations compiled by Inti are © Inti Foundation. Please attribute when quoting; do not bulk-copy or use commercially without permission.