Lzh Mg Bi Pm Pc 101Adeśitaśikṣā

Adeśitaśikṣā — On the Rules Not Yet Taught

Context

Adeśitaśikṣā (Pāli: Adeśitasikkhā) is a scriptural section belonging to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, recorded within the Vibhaṅga volumes. This text addresses those rules of practice which the Buddha had not formally designated as binding precepts, yet which those who train earnestly should still uphold through conscientious virtue.

In the context of the early Sangha, the Buddha established the Pātimokkha — the code of rules governing the ethical conduct of bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs. However, not every unwholesome form of behavior was enumerated as a formal rule. Such behaviors are called "not yet taught" (adeśita = not designated), for they do not constitute a rigid legal transgression, yet they remain contrary to the spirit of the Dharma.

This reflects the Buddha's wise approach: he did not wish to create an overly complex system of regulations, but instead taught the bhikkhus to train on the basis of wisdom (paññā) and conscientious self-discipline (śikṣā = the training).

Principal Content

The things not yet taught (adeśitaśikṣā) are actions or words that the Buddha had not formally prohibited within the Pātimokkha, but which, should a bhikkhu engage in them, may cause him to lose the trust of those from good families (kulaputtā — sons and daughters of families). These are matters pertaining to reputation (yasas) and the respect accorded by the community.

Characteristic examples include such behaviors as: speaking too loudly or meddling in the affairs of others, failing to show respect toward those who support the Sangha, or maintaining habits that make it difficult for ordinary people to understand the Dharma. Although such behaviors may not directly violate any specific rule, they can damage the reputation of the Sangha and obstruct the upholding of the Dharma.