Lzh Mi Bi Vb Pc 3Malicious Talebearing
Pāli / Sanskrit:Pesuñña
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SUTTA ON MALICIOUS INDIRECT SPEECH (PESUÑÑA)
Background
This sutta is presented in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, specifically in the Pātimokkha, within the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga—the subtle rules for bhikkhunīs. Pesuñña, or malicious indirect speech, is identified as a violation under the Pācittiya rule, a minor offense requiring confession.
The distinction between direct slander (pisuṇa vācā) and indirect malicious speech is subtle but important. This conduct arises when the speaker intentionally divides relationships, creates conflict, or damages someone’s honor through speech that is subtle and indirect, yet clearly malicious in intent. The historical background shows that the Buddha recognized language as having the power to create peace or harm the monastic community.
Main Content
The rule on pesuñña states that speaking words that appear polite but contain malice, or speaking indirectly in order to slander and cause division among members of the community, is a violation. The important difference lies in the intention (cetanā)—there must be an intention to harm, divide, or diminish another person.
For example, in a monastic context, instead of saying directly, “This teacher is corrupt,” a malicious indirect speaker may say: “Some people say this teacher has a problem in moral conduct,” or “I do not want to say anything, but everyone knows.” Such statements, even when they do not name someone directly, have the purpose of creating doubt, dividing trust, and harming relationships in the Sangha.
The rule requires the offender to confess, intend not to repeat the offense, and perform confession before the Sangha. The consequence of this behavior is the creation of conflict, the weakening of mutual trust, and the disturbance of the foundation of a harmonious community of practice.
Practical Meaning
The sutta on pesuñña teaches us that harmful speech need not be coarse words or direct attacks. Subtlety in language can conceal malicious intent, making it more dangerous.
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