Lzh Dg Bu Pm 2 As 7Covering With Grass
Pāli / Sanskrit:Tiṇavatthāraka
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The Tiṇavatthāraka Discourse (Covering With Grass)
Background
The Tiṇavatthāraka discourse is part of the Vinaya Piṭaka, especially belonging to the Pātimokkha, the basic code for bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs. The Vinaya Piṭaka is a collection of rules and guidance for training that the Buddha laid down to maintain harmony, discipline, and purity within the monastic community. This discourse lies in the Pācittiya section, concerning lighter faults that require confession and renewed training.
The background of the discourse arose when bhikkhus acted in ways inconsistent with discipline. The Buddha, with boundless wisdom, recognized the offending behaviors and laid down rules for instruction. The Tiṇavatthāraka discourse concerns covering over or concealing things that should not be done, especially incidents or actions that violate the rules.
Main Content
The Tiṇavatthāraka discourse addresses the issue of covering, hiding, or intentionally concealing truths connected with violations of the Vinaya. The specific content of this discourse has not yet been fully translated, but according to the general context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, it emphasizes an important principle: one should not intentionally cover over or conceal offenses, whether small or great.
The Buddha taught that honesty and openness are the foundation of religious discipline. Those who try to cover over wrongful conduct by pretending to sink down as though covering themselves with grass, a simile for ineffective concealment, create further faults. This act of covering is itself a Pācittiya offense, because it reflects an impure state of mind, lacking shame and moral dread.
This rule is part of the effort to maintain integrity in the monastic order. The Buddha did not intend to punish or humiliate, but to teach bhikkhus that true correction does not come from outside, but from acknowledging faults and amending them.
Practical Meaning
The Tiṇavatthāraka discourse teaches us that honesty is a precious jewel in practice.
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