Lzh Mu Bi Pm Pc 66Deception

Discourse on Deception (Mohana Sutta)

Explanation from the Traditional Theravāda Vinaya

Background

The Mohana discourse (Deception) appears in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, specifically among the regulations concerning the character and ethics of those studying the Buddha’s teaching. The Vinaya Piṭaka does not regulate only actions, but also applies profound ethical principles intended to protect the integrity of the Sangha and the faithful community.

In this context, the Blessed One, Gotama Buddha, recognized that deception is one of the behaviors that obstruct practice and spiritual development. Deception is not merely an immediate lie, but an act that creates deep akusala (unwholesomeness), containing within it the wish to conceal and to exploit the trust of others. It is especially serious when it occurs among those who follow the Dharma, because it harms relationships based on trust and honesty.

Main Content

The Mohana discourse identifies deception (mohaná) as a violation of moral training (Sīla), the ethical foundation of practice. In the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, deception is considered the intentional concealment of truth or the presentation of events falsely in order to achieve a personal aim.

The forms of deception mentioned include lying about one’s character, concealing faults, intentionally damaging another’s honor, or using subtle schemes to gain improper benefit. In particular, the discourse points out that deception about moral character (sīla-mohana), pretending to be virtuous when in fact one is not, is an especially grave violation.

The discipline related to this discourse prescribes appropriate penalties according to the degree and nature of the deception. For those gone forth, if deception is discovered, they may have to undergo corrective steps such as public confession in relation to the Pātimokkha, or in serious cases, it may lead to removal from the Sangha.