Bu Pc 7979. Criticizing a legitimate legal procedure
Pāli / Sanskrit:Kammapaṭibāhana
A monk who has given his consent for the Order to perform an official act, but then criticizes the act, must confess the offense.
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Sutta Bu Pc 79: Not Criticizing a Legitimate Decision of the Sangha
Background
Bu Pc 79 (Kammapaṭibāhana) belongs to the Vinaya of the Theravāda tradition, forming part of the monastic code (Bhikkhunī Pāṭimokkha). This rule was established by the Blessed One to protect the integrity and unity of the Sangha.
In Theravāda Buddhism, when the Sangha must address matters relating to discipline, the Dhamma, or communal property, its members are required to carry out formal legal acts (kamma) according to prescribed procedure. Such a procedure requires the consent, or at least the silence, of qualified members. Bu Pc 79 concerns the case of a monastic who initially approves a legitimate decision of the Sangha but subsequently criticizes that act openly.
Principal Content
According to the rule set forth in this sutta, if a bhikkhunī (or, analogously, a bhikkhu) has participated in a formal act of the Sangha—whether by explicitly consenting to or by remaining silent in acceptance of a legal act (kamma)—and then publicly speaks out to criticize, censure, or impugn the validity of that decision, such a person has committed an offense (Pācittiya). This offense is neither a grave offense (Pārājika) nor a serious offense (Saṅghādisesa), but is rather a lighter offense requiring confession before the Sangha.
An important distinction is to be noted: if the person had expressed opposition from the outset and maintained that position throughout the proceedings, no offense is committed. However, if one initially agreed or remained silent and thereafter turned against the decision, this constitutes an act of inconsistency that undermines the unity of the Sangha.
This rule emphasizes the principle that once a decision has been formally and legitimately passed, members are bound to respect it. If there is disagreement, it must be expressed before the decision is enacted—not raised through covert criticism afterward.
Practical Significance
Bu Pc 79 teaches monastics an important lesson in honesty and accountability.
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