Xct Mu Bi Pj 7Siding With One Ejected
Pāli / Sanskrit:Ukkhittānuvattikā
Save your scripture progress
Create a free account to save scriptures, track progress, and continue your daily learning path.
EXPLANATION OF THE UKKHITTĀNUVATTIKĀ TEXT
According to the Theravāda Tradition of the Pāli Canon
Background
The text Ukkhittānuvattikā (Following One Who Has Been Expelled) belongs to the Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha, the Vinaya section that sets forth the rules of practice for bhikkhunīs. It is one of the most important legal texts of Theravāda Buddhism, reflecting the Buddha’s concern for the harmony and purity of the Sangha.
The historical background of this text concerns situations in which a bhikkhunī was expelled from the Sangha (ukkhitta — excluded, set apart) because of serious violations of the disciplinary rules. The legal question raised is: should other bhikkhunīs follow or support such a person? This is not only a personal matter, but also concerns the integrity of the Sangha and the spiritual direction of the practicing community.
Main Content
The Ukkhittānuvattikā text gives clear instructions: when a bhikkhunī has been formally expelled by the Sangha for serious violations of the disciplinary rules, the remaining bhikkhunīs must not continue to follow (anuvattati), support, or acknowledge that person’s monastic standing. The expression “to follow” (anuvattika) here means that one should not maintain intimate association, should not regard this person as a member of the practicing Sangha, and must abide by the decision of the Sangha.
This is not a merciless punishment, but a legal measure intended to protect the unity of the Sangha. If other members continue to follow one who has been expelled, this weakens the authority of the Sangha’s decision and creates division in the community. The Dharma emphasizes that observance of Sangha discipline is necessary in order to maintain the purity and effectiveness of the path of practice.
However, the text also implicitly indicates that the opportunity for reform still remains. If the expelled person shows genuine remorse and resumes practice correctly, the Sangha may decide to readmit her.
🌏 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.