Lzh Mi Bi Pm Pc 12Evasive Speech

Aññavādaka Sutta: Explanation of Evasive Speech

Background

The Aññavādaka Sutta, Evasive Speech, is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, the section on ethics and discipline for the Buddhist Sangha. This sutta is recorded in the Pātimokkha, the basic code for bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs, intended to protect the purity of the Sangha and progress in practice.

This context arose from practical situations in the early monastic community, where members needed to observe certain principles of conduct. The Buddha established these rules not to punish, but to create conditions favorable for the practice of liberation. The Aññavādaka Sutta concerns “evasive speech,” a disciplinary violation in which a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī intentionally speaks insincerely or deliberately conceals the truth when questioned about their actions.

Main Content

In the Vinaya Piṭaka, “evasive speech” (aññavādaka) is identified as one of the serious disciplinary violations. When a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī is directly asked about an action they have performed, and they intentionally give a false answer or avoid responsibility in other ways, that is “evasive speech.”

The sutta indicates that this act violates a fundamental principle of the Dharma: truthfulness (sacca). It is not merely ordinary lying, but also a refusal to accept responsibility and acknowledge the truth before the monastic community. This damages trust, transparency, and unity within the Sangha.

The rule states that when a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī is found to have engaged in “evasive speech,” they must undergo the corresponding penalties. The degree of handling depends on the nature of the violation and the related circumstances. The important point is that this process aims to encourage sincere confession and correction of conduct, not to exclude or destroy that individual.