Ka Bu Pm Pc 12Evasive Speech

The Discourse on Evasive Speech (Aññavādaka)

Background

The Aññavādaka discourse is one of the important regulations belonging to the Pātimokkha, the basic code of moral training for the Theravāda Buddhist Sangha. This content is found in the Pācittiya section of the Vinaya Piṭaka, offenses requiring acknowledgment and confession before the Sangha.

This rule arose from real situations in the early monastic community, when monks deliberately evaded or spoke evasively when the community asked them to clarify their actions or words. The Buddha saw that truthfulness and transparency in communication are the foundation of trust and harmony in the Sangha body, and therefore established this rule to encourage disciples to acknowledge their actions directly.

Main Content

The Aññavādaka discourse states that if a monk or nun is asked by the community to clarify a certain action or statement, they must not evade, dodge, or give ambiguous answers. Instead, they must directly acknowledge, “I said (or did) that,” if the matter truly occurred, or “I did not say (or do) that,” if it is not true.

The term “Aññavādaka,” one who speaks evasively, points to the attitude of deliberately avoiding a reply or talking incoherently when directly questioned. This is not a matter of forgetfulness or uncertainty, but a conscious choice to conceal the truth. Violating this rule leads to Pācittiya, a fault that must be confessed before the Sangha.

The discourse also emphasizes that evasive speech creates mistrust and disturbs discipline within the Sangha body. The Buddha taught that evasive answers, though they may seem to avoid short-term consequences, bring serious results for shared practice and for the individual himself.

Practical Meaning

The rule on Aññavādaka does not concern only those gone forth, but also carries deep meaning for all who study the Buddha-Dharma.