Lzh Mi Bi Pm Pc 48Deception
Pāli / Sanskrit:Mohana
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THE MOHANA SUTTA (THE SUTTA ON DECEPTION)
Background
The Mohana Sutta is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, in the Pātimokkha section, belonging to the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. This is one of the ethical rules of conduct for the monastic community, established by the Buddha Śākyamuni to protect the purity of the community of practice. This sutta reflects the historical context in which Buddhism expanded and received many new followers, including some who joined the Sangha with impure motives. Therefore, the Buddha needed to establish prohibitions to prevent dishonest and deceptive conduct that would harm the honor of, and trust in, the Teaching.
Deception (mohana, from “moha,” meaning delusion or ignorance) is regarded as an action rooted deeply in the three poisons: greed, hatred, and delusion. It is not merely outward lying, but the use of tricks and schemes to conceal the truth for personal gain or to harm others.
Main Content
The Mohana Sutta lays down that bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs are not permitted to deceive or use scheming methods to conceal their own nature or that of others. Specifically, prohibited conduct includes: speaking untruths for gain, such as pretending to possess supernatural powers or extraordinary healing abilities; using cunning methods to attract followers; or concealing one’s own faults and violations of the discipline.
According to the Theravāda tradition, this deceptive conduct is regarded as a violation of the Pātimokkha, especially in connection with Pārājika, an offense that can lead to expulsion from the Sangha, or Saṅghādisesa, an offense requiring the possibility of reconciliation through the Sangha. When a bhikkhu deceives devotees, he not only violates a precept but also destroys the trust of those who feel connected with the Buddha-Dharma.
The sutta emphasizes that honesty (ālaya parisuddhi, purity of mind) is the foundation of practice.
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