Lzh Mi Bi Pm Pc 45Eavesdropping
Pāli / Sanskrit:Upassuti
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Sutta on Secret Listening (Upassuti)
Background
The Upassuti Sutta (Pāli: upassuti, meaning “secret listening” or “eavesdropping”) appears in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically within the Pātimokkha and the rules of communal life for Buddhist monks and nuns. In the Theravāda tradition, the Vinaya Piṭaka is regarded as the foundation for maintaining discipline, harmony, and purity in the Sangha.
The background of this sutta arises from practical situations in the Sangha, when bhikkhus took advantage of their position or opportunity to listen to others’ private conversations without permission, for the purpose of gathering information or causing trouble in the community. This is a disciplinary matter connected with respect, integrity, and the preservation of harmony in the Sangha.
Main Content
The Upassuti Sutta lays down that if a bhikkhu intentionally listens in secret to the conversations of others, whether those of other bhikkhus, bhikkhunīs, or people outside the Sangha, without permission, this is considered a violation of Dukkaṭa, that is, “wrongdoing,” among the categories of offenses for bhikkhus.
The sutta does not only prohibit obvious acts of eavesdropping, but also emphasizes intention (cetanā). If a bhikkhu intentionally or deliberately positions himself in a place in order to hear the words of others, knowing that he is not permitted to do so, this already violates the rule. However, if a bhikkhu accidentally hears something and does not intentionally retain it in mind, this is not considered a violation.
This rule reflects a fundamental principle of Theravāda Buddhism: every action of body, speech, and mind has consequences. Eavesdropping not only harms trust and harmony in the Sangha, but also reflects an impure mental conduct: it arises from craving, jealousy, or the desire to control information.
Practical Meaning
In the context of modern practice, the Upassuti Sutta teaches us the importance of respecting privacy and trust.
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