Lzh Mg Bi Vb Pc 57Disrespect

The Anādariya Sutta (Disrespect)

From the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Tradition

Background

The Anādariya Sutta is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pācittiya section of the Bhikkhu Pātimokkha — the code of training rules for monks. These are lesser offenses compared to major violations, yet they still require confession before the Sangha.

This text was established upon a specific occasion: when disciples failed to show proper respect toward the Buddha, toward competing monks, or toward those of greater seniority within the Sangha, by dismissing or disparaging them. The Buddha instituted this rule in order to protect the spirit of the community and to maintain mutual harmony and respect.

Anādariya means "lack of respect, reverence, or regard." It refers not to an outward act but to a mental attitude — the disposition of contempt or disregard toward what ought to be honored.

Main Content

According to the Pāli Tipiṭaka tradition, the Pācittiya offense of Anādariya occurs when a monk harbors the intention or performs an action that manifests disrespect toward the Buddha, toward the Pabbajidhaka (senior monks), or toward the Sangha. This may be expressed through speech, bodily action, or attitude.

Specific examples include: uttering offensive words, interrupting with laughter or mockery, refusing to listen to teachings, deliberately acting contrary to the wishes of senior members, or displaying indifference toward sincere counsel.

The crucial point is that this rule is directed at conscious disregard. If a monk unintentionally fails to express respect due to lack of knowledge or cultural difference, such misunderstanding may be remedied through instruction, and does not constitute a moral offense.

According to the Vinaya Piṭaka, Pācittiya offenses require the monk to confess the transgression before another monk (or before the Sangha) and to perform the act of repentance (pabbajjanīya).