Lzh Dg Bu Pm 2 Pc 13Complaining

The Ujjhāpanaka Sutta: On Complaining

Context

Ujjhāpanaka, from ujjhāpeti, meaning “to cause complaint, to stir up dissatisfaction,” is a sutta belonging to the Vinaya Piṭaka, the Vinaya collection of the Pāli Canon and the ethical discipline of Theravāda Buddhism. This sutta is found in the Pātimokkha, the basic code for bhikkhus. The background for the appearance of this sutta was when the Buddha and the Sangha lived in various regions, where praise or complaint could easily arise among bhikkhus concerning the training rules.

In the context of the early monastic community, a bhikkhu’s stirring up dissatisfaction or complaining about limitations in the discipline could divide the community (Saṅgha) and harm harmony. Therefore, the Buddha set forth guidelines to guard against the spirit of saṅghabheda, division of the community, and to maintain spiritual stability.

Main Content

Ujjhāpanaka concerns the prohibition against a bhikkhu publicly complaining or creating dissatisfaction regarding the training rules of the community. Specifically, this sutta addresses the case in which a monk goes about saying things such as, “Why has the Buddha laid down such difficult rules?” or “These prohibitions are unnecessary,” especially if these words are spoken publicly before others.

The act of causing complaint (ujjhāpana) is regarded as an offense of importance because:

First, it weakens the faith of other bhikkhus and lay followers (upāsakas) in the discipline and the Sangha. Second, it encourages a spirit of noncompliance and may lead to disputes or division in the community. Third, public complaints about the discipline may damage the reputation and respect accorded to the Sangha in the eyes of laypeople.

Those who violate this rule must perform acknowledgment of the fault before the Sangha, and if necessary, seek reconciliation.