Lzh Mi Bi Vb Pc 48Deception
Pāli / Sanskrit:Mohana
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MOHAN SUTTA - THE DISCOURSE ON DECEPTION
Background
The Mohana Sutta (Mo Han - Deception) is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of early Buddhist Dharma and is one of the rules of cultivation set forth by the Buddha to regulate the conduct of monks and nuns. The Vinaya Piṭaka is not only a set of formal rules but also reflects profound ethical and spiritual wisdom, intended to protect the community of practitioners and help them progress on the path to liberation.
This discourse is recorded in the Pātimokkha, the list of fundamental offenses that those gone forth must observe. The mention of "deception" (mohana) in the Vinaya Piṭaka is not accidental, but reflects the Buddha's understanding of the most subtle ways in which the mind is obscured by darkness. Deception is precisely an expression of moha, one of the three fundamental poisons (lobha, dosa, moha) that cause suffering for sentient beings.
Main Content
The Mohana Sutta addresses the forms of deception that monks and nuns may commit in the course of practice. This includes not only verbal lying but also actions intended to conceal one's true nature or create a false impression in order to obtain benefit, fame, or respect.
Specifically, the Vinaya Piṭaka points out that deceiving others, whether by speech, writing, gesture, or action, in order to elevate oneself or belittle others, is a serious violation. A monk who conceals his own faults, boasts of his ability in practice, or fabricates stories to gain the trust of the community is committing the offense of deception.
In particular, the Buddha emphasized that deceiving private persons, noble figures, or even teachers is a grave ethical violation. This offense cannot be dismissed by saying "I was not aware" or "it was only a small oversight," because deception is a conscious choice of the mind. The purpose of this rule is to protect truthfulness, transparency, and trust within the community of practice.
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