Xct Mu Bu Pm Pc 70Travelling by Arrangement
Pāli / Sanskrit:Saṁvidhāna
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Explanation of the Saṁvidhāna Sutta (Traveling by Arrangement)
Background
The Saṁvidhāna Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon and is recorded among the rules of communal life for the Sangha. The background of this sutta arose from practical situations in the shared life of bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs during the lifetime of Buddha Śākyamuni.
This sutta concerns the rule on movement and travel by members of the Sangha. In the early days of Buddhism, bhikkhus often had to travel from place to place to study the Dharma, teach the Dharma, and practice. However, these journeys needed to be arranged reasonably and properly to avoid trouble, danger, or negative effects on the religious life. Therefore, the Buddha gave specific guidance on how to travel in a manner consistent with the discipline of the Sangha.
Main Content
The Saṁvidhāna Sutta lays down that when bhikkhus wish to move or travel, they must inform beforehand those in the same monastery or practicing community. This is the principle of “arrangement” (saṁvidhāna): there must be prior agreement and preparation; one should not leave on one’s own without letting anyone know.
Specifically, the sutta teaches that a bhikkhu who wishes to travel must tell other bhikkhus that he is about to depart, so that they may keep watch and provide support if needed. In addition, he must choose an appropriate time to travel, avoiding dangerous or inconvenient times. This is not merely a matter of discipline, but also an expression of mutual support and assistance within the Sangha.
This principle also includes careful preparation for the journey, ensuring personal safety, respecting civil law, and not causing trouble for others. A bhikkhu must consider carefully: where he is going, how long he will stay, what the purpose is, and whether it can be completed.
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