Lzh Dg Bi Pm Pc 145Abusing Monks
Pāli / Sanskrit:Bhikkhuakkosana
Save your scripture progress
Create a free account to save scriptures, track progress, and continue your daily learning path.
SUTTA ON CRITICIZING ASCETIC PRACTITIONERS
Background
The Bhikkhuakkosana Sutta, Criticizing a Bhikkhu, is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, specifically in the Pātimokkha, the disciplinary code that bhikkhus must respect. This sutta arose from a historical event in the Sangha community during the Buddha's time. When bhikkhus violated rules or displayed inappropriate conduct, their fellow practitioners did not remain silent, but criticized them publicly. However, this criticism was sometimes insufficiently gentle or contained ulterior motives, causing the Buddha to define clearly the wholesome principles for criticism within the Sangha.
Main Content
The Bhikkhuakkosana Sutta states that criticizing (akkosana) a bhikkhu is considered lawful only when it is directed toward three main purposes: instruction, warning, or correction of misconduct. Criticism must observe strict ethical principles: it must not conceal ill will, must not be made public in order to shame another before the community, and must not be exploited to seek fame or personal advantage. The Buddha emphasized that a bhikkhu has the right to criticize another only when his purpose is pure, when he observes the five precepts (Pañcasīla), and when his criticism is not vengeful. In addition, the method of criticism must be appropriate, using polite and respectful speech and aiming at the common good of the community rather than private benefit.
The sutta also identifies unlawful forms of criticism, including criticism motivated by anger, jealousy, or personal discord. When a bhikkhu is wrongly criticized, he has the right to request clarification or appeal before the Sangha.
Practical Meaning
The Bhikkhuakkosana Sutta has profound significance for maintaining discipline in the community of practice.
🌏 The Buddhist canon is vast — some sūtras (such as comparative Vinaya across schools, or untranslated Tibetan-canon texts) have to this day NEVER been translated into Vietnamese or English by anyone, scholars included. Rather than leave it blank, Inti AI offers a FAITHFUL summary grounded in the tradition — from the sūtra's title, origin and essence — so you can still reach this rare part of the treasury. Whenever an original translation exists, the app shows the original first.
Translations belong to the translator/source credited above. The bilingual compilation, presentation, and AI translations compiled by Inti are © Inti Foundation. Please attribute when quoting; do not bulk-copy or use commercially without permission.