Lzh Dg Bi Pm Pc 12Evasive Speech

An Explanation of the Aññavādaka Rule (Evasive Speech)

Background

The Aññavādaka rule is part of the Pacittiya section in the Theravāda Vinaya Piṭaka. This is the collection of rules concerning various offenses (pacittiya) that bhikkhus must observe in order to maintain the purity of the Sangha.

The background of the rule arose from specific situations in the monastic community during the Buddha’s time. When disputes or questions concerning the precepts arose, some bhikkhus deliberately spoke unclearly, avoided answering directly, or used ambiguous statements to conceal their own violations. This action is called “aññavādaka” (aññā = other, vādaka = speaking), that is, speaking about something else, speaking obliquely, or speaking evasively.

The Buddha recognized that such evasion not only undermined the integrity of the individual, but also eroded trust and transparency in the Sangha. Therefore, he established this rule to encourage bhikkhus to live in truth, straightforwardness, and respect for the Sangha’s process of examining discipline.

Main Content

The Aññavādaka rule stipulates that when a bhikkhu is accused of a Pacittiya offense, or when questions about his conduct are raised, he is not permitted to speak evasively, obliquely, or unclearly in order to drive away the investigation.

More specifically, if the bhikkhu is directly asked about an action, such as, “Did the bhikkhu do this?” he must answer clearly: “Yes” or “No.” If instead he speaks ambiguously, saying things such as “Perhaps,” “I am not quite sure,” “That is someone else’s matter,” or gives roundabout answers to conceal the truth, that is a Pacittiya violation.

This rule is not aimed at hiding faults casually, but especially at situations where the Sangha is trying to investigate and maintain discipline. When the Sangha votes or asks for confirmation on matters related to the precepts, truthfulness is absolutely necessary.