Lzh Mi Bi Pm Pc 134Cursing Another
Pāli / Sanskrit:Paraabhisapana
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The Sutta on Cursing Another (Paraabhisapana)
Background
In the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, the Paraabhisapana Sutta appears in the section of rules concerning faults related to speech by bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs. This is one of the things that those gone forth must avoid in order to maintain a pure life in accordance with the ethics of the Buddha Dharma.
The background of the sutta is related to an event in the Sangha community, when some monastics used harmful speech against others. The Buddha spoke and instructed them in order to prevent this conduct, because it violates the basic principles of loving-kindness, reason, and self-control. This sutta was recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka for the purpose of establishing a standard of conduct for all who study the Buddha Dharma.
Main Content
The Paraabhisapana Sutta addresses the serious matter of cursing or reviling another. In the context of practice, the Buddha forbids these actions not for the sake of punishment, but because they reflect loss of control over the mind and harm the harmony of the community (Sangha).
Cursing (abhisapana) is not merely ugly speech, but an act with the intention of causing long-term harm and personal attack. This is entirely contrary to the spirit of the Five Precepts (Pañcasīla) and the Eight Precepts for those who practice deeply. Specifically, it violates the precept against false speech (musāvāda) and the precept against harsh speech (pharusavācā).
The sutta indicates that the act of cursing arises from negative states such as anger (kodha), jealousy (issā), and lack of control. Any monastic who engages in this action is considered to violate the rules of the Sangha. Depending on the degree, this conduct may be considered a fault requiring confession and correction of behavior.
Practical Meaning
The Paraabhisapana Sutta teaches that practice does not lie only in governing bodily action and thought, but also requires great attention to purity in speech. Every word we utter has great power in creating karma (kamma) and affecting those around us.
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