Lzh Mi Bu Vb Ss 12Difficult to Correct
Pāli / Sanskrit:Dubbaca
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The Dubbaca Sutta (Difficult to Correct)
Background
The Dubbaca sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Pāli Canon, an important part of the Theravāda Buddhist Tipiṭaka. The Vinaya Piṭaka is the collection of disciplinary rules for the monastic community (Sangha), established by the Buddha to maintain harmony, purity, and mental focus in the monastery.
The "Mahāvagga" (Great Division), from which this sutta is selected, records events connected with faults, violations, and disciplinary measures. The word "Dubbaca" means "difficult to correct" or "hard to admonish," referring to actions or attitudes that are not easily adjusted or rectified. The context of this sutta reflects a situation in which a bhikkhu or a group of bhikkhus displays an attitude that is difficult to correct, stubborn, or refuses to acknowledge faults even when violations of the Vinaya are pointed out.
Main Content
In the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, being "difficult to correct" (dubbaca) is not only related to specific faults, but mainly emphasizes the attitude of the offender - refusing to acknowledge fault, unwillingness to listen to advice, or obstinacy in a wrong attitude. The Buddha reminds bhikkhus that one should be "easy to correct" (suvaca), that is, ready to acknowledge faults, listen to instruction from elders, and repent for the sake of realization.
This sutta teaches that when someone is called upon to correct his fault, the most important thing is attitude - whether he is willing to accept criticism. A practitioner should see having faults pointed out as an opportunity to advance in virtue, not as an insult or loss of face. The Buddha encourages timely correction, because if left too long, wrong action becomes a habit difficult to abandon.
The attitude of being "difficult to correct" is a great obstacle in collective practice. It undermines harmony (samaggī) in the Sangha, causes tension, and obstructs spiritual growth.
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