Lzh Mu Bi Pm Pc 3Malicious Talebearing
Pāli / Sanskrit:Pesuñña
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DISCOURSE ON MALICIOUS TALEBEARING IN THE DISCIPLINE
Background
The Pesuñña discourse (malicious talebearing) is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, specifically among the Pācittiya rules, the lesser prohibitions that bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs must observe. The focus of this discourse concerns “malicious talebearing” (pesuñña), an act regarded as an ethical violation within the Sangha.
The historical background shows that this issue arose from conflicts within the monastic community. When members of the Sangha did not live in harmony, spreading one person’s disparaging words to another in order to cause discord often occurred. The Buddha saw that this action deeply harmed the shared spirit of practice and the development of individuals, and so he established a rule to prevent it.
In the context of a monastic community living together, unity and trust are the foundation for practicing the Dharma. “Malicious talebearing” breaks this relationship, causing listeners to believe harmful words and creating deep rifts among members. Thus this disciplinary discourse was included to protect the unity of the Sangha.
Main Content
Pesuñña is a Pāli term meaning “divisive speech” or “slanderous speech that is spread about.” It is specifically defined as repeating the words of one person before another with the intention of causing discord or damaging the relationship between them.
This disciplinary rule distinguishes between malicious talebearing intentionally meant to harm and the reporting of words for legitimate reasons (such as mediation or reconciliation). The key point is intention (cetanā): if a monastic repeats another person’s words with the purpose of creating division, that is an offense. If it is done for the common good of the Sangha or to help resolve a dispute, it may not be an offense.
The penalty for violating Pesuñña, listed among the Pācittiya offenses, is a lesser offense requiring the offender to confess the fault and repent before witnesses of the Sangha.
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