Grammatical Analysis
Adhikaraṇasamatha: [nt.] Settlement of legal issues; resolution of disputes. Formed by adhikaraṇa (legal issue, dispute, case) + samatha (calming, settling, resolution).
Orthodox Definition
The Adhikaraṇasamatha are the seven legal principles used to settle disputes within the Saṅgha. They form the absolute conclusion of the Pātimokkha recitation. Whenever a conflict arises regarding monastic rules, doctrinal interpretations, or personal offenses, these seven methods operate as the judicial mechanisms of the order.
The seven principles are:
- Sammukhā-vinaya: Proceeding in the presence (of the Saṅgha, the Dhamma, the Vinaya, and the disputing parties).
- Sati-vinaya: Verdict of innocence based on a monk’s unblemished mindfulness (usually protecting an Arahat against false charges).
- Amūḷha-vinaya: Verdict of past insanity (clearing offenses committed while mentally ill).
- Paṭiññāya: Acting on the acknowledgment/confession of the accused.
- Yebhuyyasikā: Decision by majority vote using voting tickets (salākā).
- Tassapāpiyasikā: Specific penalization for a monk who lies, evades, or acts stubbornly during an interrogation.
- Tiṇavatthāraka: “Covering over with grass.” A mutual amnesty procedure where both factions confess their faults collectively to instantly bury a messy, complex dispute that threatens to cause a schism.
Textual References
- Vinaya: Cullavagga (Adhikaraṇasamathakkhandhaka) – The dense, highly structured legal text outlining how to apply these seven tools to the four types of legal disputes.
- Sutta: Sāmagāma Sutta (MN 104) – The Buddha teaching these seven principles to ensure the survival of the Saṅgha after his passing.
- Commentary: Samantapāsādikā – Detailed case law on the application of these principles.