Lzh Mu Bi Pm Pc 61Disrespect

Sutta on Anādariya (Sutta on Disrespect)

Background

Anādariya, a Pāli term meaning "disrespect" or "lack of reverence," is a rule within the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition. This text is recorded in the Pātimokkha, the fundamental code of discipline for bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs.

According to its historical context, the Buddha established the system of rules (Vinaya) not for the purpose of punishment, but to protect harmony within the monastic community and to cultivate virtue. The Sutta on Anādariya concerns actions or attitudes that manifest contempt, disdain, or disrespect toward the Buddha, the Dharma, the Sangha — the Three Jewels — or toward the teachings of Buddhism. These are relatively minor infractions, yet they cause great harm to the spiritual and ethical foundations of the community.

Principal Content

Within the Vinaya, disrespect (anādariya) is regarded as the cause of more serious transgressions. The Buddha taught that if a bhikkhu does not revere the Dharma, does not respect his teachers, or disregards admonitions, that person will easily enter upon wrong paths, leading to the violation of more grave rules.

Anādariya may manifest in many forms: disregarding the teachings of the Buddha and the Dharma, failing to follow the guidance of one's elders, acting or speaking in ways that show no reverence toward the Three Jewels, or maintaining an attitude of arrogance and conceit in one's practice. Those whose minds lack respect are considered not yet ready to genuinely practice the Buddha-Dharma, for reverence (ādariya) is the very foundation of compliance with the Dharma and the reception of instruction.

The rule of Anādariya emphasizes that, however minor an outward action may appear, a mind lacking in reverence will undermine virtue and obstruct progress along the path of practice.