Lzh Mi Bi Vb Ss 13Difficult to Correct

EXPLANATION OF THE DUBBACA SUTTA

Background

Dubbaca belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda Pāli tradition, specifically within the Saṅghādisesa section, the second most serious group of rules after Pārājika. The term Dubbaca means "difficult to admonish" or "hard to teach," referring to a stubborn attitude that refuses to listen to sincere advice from the Sangha.

This rule was laid down by the Buddha in the context of a bhikkhu who was disobedient and obstinate when fellow practitioners reminded him about conduct that violated the rules. The attitude of being "hard to teach" not only harms the harmony of the Sangha but also obstructs the process of self-purification for the practitioner. In the monastic community, humbly receiving rightful counsel is a foundation of the life of brahmacariya.

The Saṅghādisesa rule requires the offender to undergo a period of penance (parivāsa), to complete the period of mānatta, and to be restored to full standing (abbhāna) by an act of the Sangha with at least twenty pure bhikkhus. This is a serious procedure intended to protect the purity of the Sangha.

Main Content

The specific content of the Dubbaca rule is described in the Vinaya Piṭaka as follows: when a bhikkhu deliberately shows a stubborn attitude and refuses to listen to the proper admonition of other bhikkhus concerning training according to the precepts (sikkhāpada) laid down by the Blessed One, declaring, "I will not train in this rule until I ask another bhikkhu who is wise and learned in the Vinaya," this is an offense.

The Buddha taught that this arrogant attitude obstructs the path to liberation. A bhikkhu should humbly learn and sincerely accept counsel that accords with the Dharma. Using the excuse "I will ask someone else" is in reality a way of evading correction, without any true intention to change.

The rule clearly distinguishes between sincerely asking questions in order to understand more clearly, which is encouraged, and obstinately refusing to accept admonition, which is reproached. The Sangha has the responsibility to admonish the offender three times (yebhuyyasikā kamma). Only if, after three admonitions, he still does not confess and amend himself does the Saṅghādisesa offense become complete.

The Buddha emphasized that being "easy to admonish" (sovacassa) is one of the basic qualities of a wise and good person. The Aṅguttara Nikāya records that one who is easy to teach and knows how to listen to proper counsel will soon realize the wondrous fruit of nirvana.

Practical Meaning

The Dubbaca rule has deep meaning for modern practice. Being "easy to teach" is not weakness or the loss of independent thought, but humility of wisdom: recognizing that one may be mistaken and needs good spiritual friends (kalyāṇamitta) to illuminate the matter.

In Sangha practice, accepting proper counsel helps an individual quickly recognize blind spots in the mind and adjust conduct before faults become serious. This is an expression of compassion toward oneself: allowing oneself to be corrected and to progress.