Lzh Mi Bu Vb Pc 3Malicious Talebearing
Pāli / Sanskrit:Pesuñña
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THE PESUÑÑĀ SUTTA: MALICIOUS SPEECH
Background
The Pesuññā Sutta (malicious speech) lies in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pātimokkha Nissaggiya Pācittiya, offences requiring forfeiture and confession, and reflects the concern of Theravāda Buddhism with actions that disturb the harmony of the monastic community. Pesuññā, from pesuña, malicious talebearing or slander, is one of the modes of conduct prohibited in the Sangha from the Buddha’s lifetime onward.
In the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, this sutta is not a philosophical discourse, but a regulation of the Buddha concerning rules of conduct. It was built from specific situations arising in the monastic community, when monks or nuns deliberately spoke divisive and harmful words among members of the Sangha.
Main Content
Pesuññā specifically refers to malicious speech or “divisive speech.” It is not simply lying or harsh speech, but speech intentionally meant to separate people, make close companions become distant, and break harmonious relationships.
According to the Pāli tradition, the sutta teaches: “Malicious speech is when one person speaks these divisive things to another in order to separate them; or speaks those divisive things to others in order to prolong division.” This act is considered a violation of virtue in the Pātimokkha because it directly damages unity and trust in the Sangha.
The Buddha’s rule concerning the offence of pesuññā requires the offender to acknowledge the fault, apologize before the Sangha, and commit to correcting the conduct. This reflects the principle that the purpose is not punishment, but the restoration of virtue and communal harmony.
Practical Meaning
Pesuññā in Theravāda Buddhism is not only a disciplinary rule, but also a profound reminder of the importance of speech on the path of practice. When the Buddha established this rule, he emphasized that a practice community can develop only if there are trust, transparency, and mutual compassion.
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