Lzh Mu Bu Pm Pc 78Disrespect

Explanation of the Anādariya Sutta (The Sutta on Disrespect)

Background

The Anādariya Sutta is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, reflecting regulations on ethics and discipline in the community of monks and nuns. In the context of Theravāda Buddhism, the Vinaya Piṭaka is not merely a code of punishment, but also educational guidance on living harmoniously and respecting one another.

The word “Anādariya” (anā + dari) means “lack of respect, disrespect, contempt.” This is a basic issue concerning humanity and social ethics within the community of practice. This discourse is presented to warn of the consequences of contempt and lack of respect toward the Buddha, the Dharma, the Sangha, monks and nuns, and those worthy of respect.

Main Content

In the Vinaya Piṭaka, Anādariya is considered in light of sīla (discipline) and ācāra (conduct). Disrespect is a mental attitude reflecting lack of understanding, lack of moral dread (ottappa), and absence of shame (hiri). These two qualities, hiri and ottappa, are regarded in Theravāda Buddhism as the two guardians of the precepts.

The discourse points out that if a practitioner displays a disrespectful attitude, he will gradually decline morally. This affects not only himself but also disturbs harmony among monks and nuns. Disrespect may appear through action, speech, or thought: not following the Buddha’s instructions, despising those of high virtue, or ignoring the advice of a guide.

The consequences of Anādariya are clearly described: the disrespectful person gradually loses the affection and trust of the community, is regarded as unworthy to practice together, and finally falls onto the path of wrongdoing. The opposite of Anādariya is ādariya, respect, the positive attitude of a daily practitioner.

Meaning for Practice

To apply this discourse to modern practice, we need to recognize that respect (ādariya) is the foundation of all spiritual progress.