Lzh Mu Bu Vb Pc 13Evasive Speech
Pāli / Sanskrit:Aññavādaka
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Aññavādaka Sutta: Evasive Speech
Background
The Aññavādaka Sutta, “Evasive Speech,” is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pātimokkha Saṁvara, the collection of fundamental rules that bhikkhus must keep. The Vinaya Piṭaka does not merely list forbidden actions; it also teaches the spirit of each precept, emphasizing that ethical practice is not for enjoyment, but for training the mind and removing bad habits.
In the context of the Buddha’s Sangha, some bhikkhus engaged in evasive speech, indirect speech, and indirect ways of concealing the truth or avoiding responsibility. This behavior violated the vow to maintain integrity and honesty, core elements of Buddhist ethics. Therefore, the Buddha established a rule (pātimokkha) to instruct bhikkhus on the importance of truthful speech.
Main Content
The Aññavādaka Sutta states that a bhikkhu must not speak evasively or say something different from his true intention. This conduct is considered a Pācittiya, a lesser rule requiring confession (paṭidesanā) before the Sangha if violated.
The concept of “aññavādaka,” speaking otherwise, is not simply direct lying, but a more subtle form of deceitful speech. It occurs when a person says words that can be understood in many ways, intentionally uses ambiguous language to avoid responsibility, or uses other excuses to conceal the true reason for an action. For example, instead of acknowledging a fault, a bhikkhu may speak indirectly and use another reason to explain it.
The detailed Vinaya account shows that this conduct harms trust in the Sangha. A community of practice can flourish only when its members are straightforward, transparent, and honest with one another. When someone speaks evasively, whether out of fear or a desire to protect personal status, that person has broken the ethical foundation of the community.
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