Ka Bu Pm Ss 13Difficult to Correct
Pāli / Sanskrit:Dubbaca
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Dubbaca Sutta (Difficult to Correct)
Background
The Dubbaca Sutta appears in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Khandhaka section of the Pāli Canon. It is one of the disciplinary rules connected with correcting members of the Sangha who violate the precepts. The context of this discourse reflects practical situations in the earliest monastic community, when the Buddha’s disciples still encountered difficulties in observing the discipline or in submitting to correction from the elders.
The Tathāgata established legal regulations not to punish, but to protect the purity of the Sangha and to help monastics practice in accordance with the Dharma. The Dubbaca Sutta focuses especially on the case of a monk or nun who is difficult to correct, that is, one who refuses to acknowledge fault or rejects the Sangha’s measures of instruction and training.
Main Content
In this discourse, the Buddha teaches that there are monastics called “dubbaca” (难可 - difficult to correct), namely people of stubborn disposition, who do not listen to guidance or do not admit their mistakes. Such people not only create difficulty for themselves but also negatively affect the harmony and purity of the community of practice.
The Buddha points out that correcting such a person requires patience, compassion, and wisdom. First, members of the Sangha must try many approaches: admonishing with loving-kindness, teaching the Dharma so that the person clearly understands the consequences of their actions, or, when necessary, applying appropriate disciplinary measures, such as parivāsa, a temporary penalty.
However, if after many efforts that person still resolutely refuses correction or cannot change, the Sangha may decide on appropriate further actions, including requiring them to leave the community if they cannot practice according to the established discipline.
Practical Meaning
The Dubbaca Sutta speaks not only about discipline but also offers profound lessons on self-examination and sincerity in practice.
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