Lzh Mu Bu Vb Pc 50Concealing a Grave Offense
Pāli / Sanskrit:Duṭṭhulla
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Duṭṭhulla Discourse: Concealing a Grave Fault
Background
The Duṭṭhulla discourse (Concealing a Grave Fault) is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pātimokkha of the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga. This discourse was compiled on the basis of the training rules laid down by the Blessed Buddha for the community of bhikkhunīs, women gone forth.
The background of this offense concerns a situation in which a female monastic commits a grave fault (duṭṭhulla), that is, an act violating fundamental disciplinary rules, but instead of honestly admitting it, she deliberately conceals the matter. This is not only the issue of the initial violation, but also the act of hiding the truth, a serious act of deceit within the community of practice.
In the Theravāda tradition, observance of discipline is not merely to avoid punishment, but is the foundation for moral development and collectedness of mind. Concealing a fault destroys trust within the monastic community (Sangha) and obstructs one’s own process of genuine practice.
Main Content
The Duṭṭhulla discourse states that if a bhikkhunī commits a duṭṭhulla offense, a grave fault such as sexual relations, theft, or taking life, and then deliberately conceals the matter, not honestly confessing before the community, the act of concealment constitutes another fault and worsens the situation.
This rule was established to protect the integrity and purity of the Sangha. According to the teaching of the Buddhadharma, honest confession (āpatti) is the first step toward purification of the mind. When a person truthfully admits a fault, no matter how serious it may be, she still has the opportunity to practice and reform. But if she conceals the fault, she not only fails to become purified, but adds the fault of deceit, violating the basic precept against false speech.
The Duṭṭhulla discourse emphasizes that the Blessed Buddha never approved of concealment or deceit.
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