Xct Mu Bu Vb Pc 56Living With an Ejected Monastic
Pāli / Sanskrit:Ukkhittasambhoga
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THE UKKHITTASAMBHOGA DISCOURSE
Living Together With an Expelled Bhikkhu
Background
The Ukkhittasambhoga discourse (Pāli: Ukkhitta = expelled, Sambhoga = living together) is found in the Pātimokkha Sutta of the Vinaya Piṭaka, the section that sets forth monastic discipline in the Theravāda tradition of the Buddhadharma. This is one of the most detailed regulations in the Buddhist Vinaya, reflecting the seriousness of the Sangha in maintaining the purity of the community of practice.
Ukkhittasambhoga is directly related to bhikkhus who have been expelled from the Sangha because of violations of basic principles or refusal to accept discipline. This rule addresses a complex situation: when a bhikkhu has been expelled, may the remaining bhikkhus continue to live together with that person? What bearing does this have on the integrity of the Sangha?
Main Content
The discourse states that an expelled bhikkhu (ukkhitta) may not live together (sambhoga) with the remaining bhikkhus in the same monastery or community of practice. “Living together” here includes not only dwelling in the same residence, but also sharing common Sangha activities such as listening to discourses, chanting, sharing food, or any form of cooperation in communal practice.
The ethical reasoning is profound: when a bhikkhu has been expelled, it means that he has violated basic principles or has refused to comply with the discipline of the Sangha. If he were allowed to live together as usual, this would weaken communal discipline, create ambiguity regarding the reputation of the community of practice, and could give rise to a “shameful fault” in the practice of other bhikkhus.
However, the Buddhadharma does not mean complete severance. If this expelled bhikkhu amends his actions, apologizes, and asks to have his honor restored, the Sangha may accept him. Until then, separation is required.
Practical Meaning
Ukkhittasambhoga teaches an important principle: discipline is not personal punishment, but the protection of the community of practice.
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