Lzh Mi Bu Vb Pj 4Laying False Claim to Superhuman Attainments
Pāli / Sanskrit:Uttarimanussadhamma
Save your scripture progress
Create a free account to save scriptures, track progress, and continue your daily learning path.
The Sutta on Falsely Claiming to Have Attained Superhuman States
Background
The Uttarimanussadhamma sutta (falsely claiming to have attained superhuman states) belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, in the Pārājika section (defeating offenses). This is one of the most serious prohibitions for all bhikkhus; if violated, it results in permanent expulsion from the Sangha.
The historical record states that this sutta was established by the Buddha to prevent falsification and the claiming of spiritual attainments one has not reached. In the early period, some bhikkhus, aiming to gain faith, offerings, and fame from devotees, declared that they had realized superhuman states (uttarimanussadhamma) such as jhāna (meditative absorption), abhiññā (supernormal powers), paṭisambhidā (the four analytical knowledges), or ultimately nirvana. Such falsehood not only brought disgrace upon the Sangha but also deceived those who placed absolute trust in a bhikkhu's words.
Main Content
This rule states: when a bhikkhu lies about having attained any superhuman state - whether meditative states (samādhi), higher wisdom (paññā), or any spiritual power beyond the capacity of ordinary people - and does so to praise himself or deceive others, this is a Pārājika offense equivalent to the loss of the strength of the disciplinary code.
The sutta forbids not only direct lying but also indirect or implied deception - for example, wearing ceremonial monastic robes to create the impression of possessing powers, or remaining silent when others praise one as an advanced practitioner. In truth, a bhikkhu must be honest and humble about the level of his practice. Even if he has truly realized something, he should not display himself or deliberately make it known to others.
This violation is Pārājika, the highest level in the disciplinary system, compared with offenses such as killing, stealing, or sexual misconduct. Once a bhikkhu is convicted of a Pārājika offense, there is no alternative but to return to lay life.
🌏 The Buddhist canon is vast — some sūtras (such as comparative Vinaya across schools, or untranslated Tibetan-canon texts) have to this day NEVER been translated into Vietnamese or English by anyone, scholars included. Rather than leave it blank, Inti AI offers a FAITHFUL summary grounded in the tradition — from the sūtra's title, origin and essence — so you can still reach this rare part of the treasury. Whenever an original translation exists, the app shows the original first.
Translations belong to the translator/source credited above. The bilingual compilation, presentation, and AI translations compiled by Inti are © Inti Foundation. Please attribute when quoting; do not bulk-copy or use commercially without permission.