Bi Sk 3030. Not receiving on an even level

Samatittika Sutta Commentary (Bi Sk 30)

Not Receiving on an Even Level

Background

The Samatittika Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, focusing on the regulations of discipline within the Sangha. The Vinaya Piṭaka is not a collection of obscure prohibitions, but rather a record of actual situations arising in the life of the earliest monastic community. Each rule has an origin story (aetihāsa), in which the Buddha identifies a problem and offers guidance.

This sutta concerns the principle of "not receiving on an even level"—a theme about distinctions in the practice of the Dharma. In the context of the Sangha, this matter may relate to monks or brothers within the community not being treated fairly when receiving the Dharma or material goods, or when unjustified distinctions are made among members of the community.

Main Content

The principle of "samatittika" (not receiving on an even level) raises an important point of monastic jurisprudence: how can the Sangha act justly without partiality or unjustified discrimination? In particular, when distributing communal property, receiving persons into the community, or handling internal disputes, the community must uphold the spirit of equality that the Buddha taught.

In the Vinaya Piṭaka, "receiving" (tittika) refers not only to accepting a new monk or disciple, but also to accepting benefits, recognition, or authority within the community. If this process does not take place on a basis of fairness—that is, according to objective criteria such as virtue, level of practice, or adherence to the precepts—it will give rise to conflict and undermine the unity of the Sangha.

This sutta emphasizes that decisions concerning the community must be carried out openly, equitably, and in accordance with the principles of the Dharma, and must not be guided by personal preference or the private relationships of those in positions of authority.