Lzh Mu Bi Pm Pc 92Complaining About Others

Explanation of the Paraujjhāpanaka Sutta (Complaining About Others)

Background

The Paraujjhāpanaka Sutta is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pātimokkha, the basic code of discipline of traditional Buddhist monastics. It is not a doctrinal discourse, but a training rule (sekhiya-dhamma) intended to maintain pure conduct and harmony in the monastic community.

According to the Theravāda tradition, the Buddha established these rules gradually, based on incidents that occurred in the Sangha community. The Paraujjhāpanaka Sutta concerns a basic spiritual issue: how we perceive and judge others, especially in a collective environment of practice. This content reflects wisdom in managing the verbal and psychological behavior of practitioners.

Main Content

This training rule warns against the fault of “complaining about others” (paraujjhāpanaka), the act of criticizing, accusing, or reproaching fellow monks or nuns publicly or privately, especially when the purpose is not instruction but the harming of reputation or the creation of discord.

In the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, this is regarded as a sekhiya violation, that is, a fault connected with discipline of conduct. Although it is not among the gravest offenses, since it does not violate the five basic precepts, it is regarded as conduct unsuitable for a practitioner, because it undermines mutual respect, the spirit of the Sangha, and the wisdom of balanced judgment.

The text teaches that instead of complaining or criticizing publicly, a practitioner should:

• Practice not speaking of others’ faults to third parties
• If one sees another person’s mistake, speak privately with that person respectfully and compassionately
• Develop the capacity to see one’s own faults first, rather than judging others

This is closely related to the five basic precepts (pañcasīla), especially the foundations of not speaking falsehood and not speaking divisive words.