Lzh Mu Bi Pm Pc 91Cursing Another

Explanation of the Paraabhisapana Sutta (Cursing Another)

Background

The Paraabhisapana Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition and is found in the Pātimokkha, the basic code governing the lives of bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs. This text deals with a violation in the verbal conduct of those gone forth, especially the uttering of words that have the nature of curses or harsh criticism toward others.

The background for this text reflects practical situations in the Sangha community of the Buddha. When a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī spoke curses or insults against another, this violated the principle of virtue (sīla), the foundation of Buddhist practice. The Vinaya Piṭaka was built upon specific situations, and the Buddha set forth regulations (Vinaya) to protect the purity of the community and to develop the character of practitioners.

Main Content

The Paraabhisapana Sutta establishes that speaking words of cursing, insult, or harsh abuse toward a bhikkhu or any other person is considered a violation of the rule. In particular, if such speech is intended to wound, humiliate, or cause the other person to suffer, the offender must face the penalties prescribed by the Sangha.

The basic principle emphasized by this text is impermanence (anicca) and the gap between intention (cetanā) and action (kamma). A word is not merely a passing sound, but an action having the nature of karma (kamma), capable of leaving deep consequences in consciousness and in relationships among people. This rule also reflects the principles of loving-kindness and non-harming (ahimsa), among the foundational values of Theravāda Buddhism.

Violation of this rule requires confession (pabbajana), and in some cases may lead to penalties such as partial or complete separation from the monastic community, depending on the degree and nature of the offending conduct.