Lzh Dg Bi Pm Pc 146Reviling a Group

Gaṇaparibhāsana Sutta: Reviling a Group

Background

The Gaṇaparibhāsana Sutta (Pāli: reviling a group) belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. It is a disciplinary rule found in the Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha, the rule collection for bhikkhunīs, specifically among the Pācittiya offenses, faults requiring confession.

The background of the sutta concerns bhikkhunīs in the early Sangha community. The Buddha established disciplinary rules not only because violations had occurred, but also to protect the harmony (samaggī) and purity (parisuddhi) of the Sangha. One of the greatest threats to harmony is contemptuous, critical, or abusive speech.

Main Content

The Gaṇaparibhāsana rule states that a bhikkhunī is not permitted to revile or criticize a group of bhikkhunīs, whether a small group or a group engaged in communal practice. This conduct includes speaking negatively about the lifestyle, precepts, or practice of other bhikkhunīs, especially when it causes division in the Sangha.

The important point is that this rule is not meant to impose silence or conceal genuine misconduct. On the contrary, it encourages upright correction that is direct and respectful. If there is a matter that needs to be addressed, one must do so formally, with witnesses, and according to a procedure recognized by the Sangha, not through murmuring or public criticism.

If a bhikkhunī violates this rule, that is, intentionally criticizes or reviles a group, she must perform the Pācittiya confession, a form of repentance involving the acknowledgment of the fault before one or more other bhikkhunīs.

Practical Meaning

The Gaṇaparibhāsana Sutta teaches a profound lesson on the harmful effect of speech.