Lzh Mg Bu Pm Pc 90Groundless Accusation
Pāli / Sanskrit:Amūlaka
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THE DISCOURSE ON GROUNDLESS ACCUSATIONS (Amūlaka)
Background
The Amūlaka belongs to the Pātimokkha section of the Vinaya Piṭaka within the Theravāda tradition, specifically among the Pācittiya rules (offenses of expiation or minor transgressions). This discourse arose in the context of the Buddha's development of regulations for governing the community of monks and nuns, with the aim of protecting harmony and trust within the Saṅgha.
The historical background of this discourse concerns cases in which unscrupulous monastics made false accusations against their fellow practitioners. Such groundless accusations not only caused harm to the honor of individuals but also undermined the relationships among members of the Saṅgha, weakening the lay Buddhist community's confidence in the Dispensation. The Buddha therefore formulated a specific rule to prevent such conduct.
Principal Content
Amūlaka (groundless, or without foundation) is the disciplinary rule prohibiting bhikkhus or bhikkhunīs from bringing accusations against another person without authentic evidence or legitimate reason. Specifically, if a monastic seeks to damage the reputation or trustworthiness of another by speaking words of slander, disparagement, or accusation without any basis, that person commits a pācittiya offense.
This rule applies in all situations, whether public or private. The crucial point is intention — the offender must have the purpose of causing harm or destruction. If someone inadvertently speaks inaccurate words without any intention to cause harm, or speaks what is true, this is not regarded as an offense. This rule protects both those who are unjustly accused and those who are falsely slandered.
The discourse makes clear that monastics must be careful in their speech and conduct, always reflecting before bringing forward any accusation. The truth must be verified, and the motivation must be for the common benefit of the Saṅgha, not out of personal anger or jealousy.
Practical Significance
The Amūlaka teaches that speech is a powerful instrument.
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