Verified
Grammatical Analysis
Suttavibhaṅga: [m.] The Analysis of the Rules. Formed by sutta (rule, thread, clause) + vibhaṅga (analysis, breakdown, explanation). In the Vinaya context, “sutta” refers specifically to the rules of the Pātimokkha.
Orthodox Definition
The Suttavibhaṅga is the first major division of the Vinaya-piṭaka. It contains the detailed explanation of every rule in the monks’ and nuns’ code of conduct (Pātimokkha).
In the canonical books, the Suttavibhaṅga makes up the first two books of the Vinaya: the Pārājika-pāḷi and the Pācittiya-pāḷi. (The next two books, the Mahāvagga and Cūḷavagga, belong to a different section called the Khandhaka).
The Suttavibhaṅga is structured meticulously. For every rule, the text provides:
- The Origin Story: The specific historical event that forced the Buddha to lay down the rule.
- The Rule Itself: The exact, legally binding wording of the precept.
- The Word Analysis: A word-by-word definition of the rule to prevent loopholes.
- Cases and Exceptions: A list of specific scenarios showing when a monk is guilty or innocent. For example, it explains exemptions for a monk who commits an offense while insane, under extreme duress, or entirely unintentionally.
Just like the suttas, this section relies heavily on its commentary. The Samantapāsādikā provides the crucial legal precedents and precise definitions needed to apply these ancient rules to new situations. Together, the Suttavibhaṅga and its commentary form the absolute backbone of Theravāda monastic law.
Textual References
- Vinaya: The Suttavibhaṅga is divided into the Bhikkhuvibhaṅga (found across the Pārājika-pāḷi and Pācittiya-pāḷi) and the Bhikkhunīvibhaṅga (rules unique to nuns, found mostly in the Pācittiya-pāḷi).
- Commentary: Samantapāsādikā – The essential Vinaya commentary by Ācariya Buddhaghosa. It acts as case law, explaining how to correctly apply the rules.