Lzh Mi Bu Pm Pc 58Disrespect

THE DISCOURSE ON DISRESPECT (ANĀDARIYA)

Background

This discourse appears in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pātimokkha, the rules of training. The Vinaya Pitaka is the collection that records in detail the regulations and rules established by the Buddha to govern the monastic community (Saṅgha). The purpose of the Vinaya Pitaka is not to punish, but to protect the purity of the community, maintain discipline, and nurture the spiritual life of those who have gone forth.

The term "Anādariya," disrespect or lack of regard, is an important concept in the Vinaya. It indicates an attitude of failing to respect, rejecting the instruction and guidance of teachers, elders, or the rules of the Buddhadharma themselves. In the context of the Sangha community, disrespect is a dangerous mental attitude because it weakens cohesion and reverence for the Dharma.

Main Content

The discourse on Anādariya emphasizes that lack of respect toward teachings, teachers, and Buddhist regulations is a very serious mental action. This is not merely a matter of old customs or external rules, but an expression of a mind without reverent regard (anādariya-citta), a state of mind that does not recognize the value of the true Dharma.

In the Vinaya context, disrespect may appear through many concrete actions: criticizing the rules taught by the Buddha, refusing to follow the admonitions of elders, or showing contempt toward the Dharma and those who preserve the Dharma. The Buddha taught that such action creates division in the community and diminishes the shared life of practice.

The important point is that Anādariya is not simply a specific rule (Pātimokkha dhamma) punished severely, but a basic mental attitude that monastics must avoid. It is the root of many other violations, because one who has a mind of disrespect will easily disregard the rules and fail to respect the guidance of the wise.