Bu Ss 77. Building a dwelling inappropriately
Pāli / Sanskrit:Vihārakāra
A monk who builds a large dwelling without getting the site approved by the Order is to be suspended.
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Kinh Vihārakāra: Building an Inappropriate Dwelling
Background
In the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, the regulations concerning the construction of monasteries (vihāra) reflect the careful consideration of early Buddhism regarding the management of communal property and the collective responsibility of the Saṅgha. The Vihārakāra Sutta (Vinaya Piṭaka 7) was established to address issues arising when monks act impulsively, failing to observe the principles of democratic consensus and unity within the monastic community.
Buddhism places great emphasis on harmony (samaggi) and collective decision-making. A bhikkhu may not, on his own initiative, use the property or land of the Saṅgha to construct large structures. Such an action not only violates monastic discipline but also undermines the principles of equality and respect for the community, which are the foundation of the noble Saṅgha.
Main Content
The text prescribes that if a bhikkhu constructs a large monastery (mahāvihāra) without seeking permission or without the Saṅgha's approval of the site, he is to be placed under suspension (nissaya—a higher-level penalty). The act of building "inappropriately" (anisamodissa) here does not concern merely technical or architectural matters, but refers principally to the absence of approval from the Saṅgha.
This rule follows the principle of threefold admonition (taya voharaṇa). When a bhikkhu intends to undertake construction, he must first inform the community and receive its approval. If he proceeds without permission, after three admonitions he is subject to a suspension penalty. This means that he is temporarily deprived of the privileges of a bhikkhu until the requisite rehabilitation (pabbajjaniya samādāna) is completed.
The deeper rationale of this regulation lies in protecting the communal property of the Saṅgha from being used according to personal preference, and in ensuring that all major decisions are made through collective agreement. In the monastic context, property belongs not to any individual but to the entire community of monastics.
Practical Significance
In the context of contemporary practice, the Vihārakāra teaches us of the importance of transparency and collective responsibility.
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