Lzh Mu Bu Vb Pc 75Legitimate Correction
Pāli / Sanskrit:Sahadhammika
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SAHADHAMMIKA SUTTA: LEGITIMATE CRITICISM
Background
The Sahadhammika Sutta (Sahadhammi-kamma) is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, specifically in the Khandhaka (chapters of communal rules), in the Pācittiya section (offenses requiring confession). It is part of the Vinaya Mahāvagga, special regulations concerning the work of correcting faults within the Sangha.
The background of this sutta arises from the need to maintain purity and harmony in the Sangha community. When monastics committed minor offenses (pācittiya), the community needed a method of public but fair criticism, in order to help the offender recognize the fault and confess it. The Sahadhammika Sutta clearly prescribes this method, a form of correction that is righteous and in accordance with the Dharma (dhammi), not intended for partial or biased punishment.
Main Content
Sahadhammika, meaning “legitimate criticism” or “correction according to the Dharma,” is a kammavācā, a formally proclaimed communal act. When a monastic commits a pācittiya offense, senior and experienced elders have the authority to perform this act during the Uposatha or on other valid occasions.
The process takes place as follows: a monastic, usually one with authority, publicly states the identity of the offender, the type of offense, and the details of the violation before the whole community. The decisive point is that this criticism must be entirely based on true facts (dhammo = Dharma, standard), not deception, exaggeration, or personal malicious motive.
The person being criticized has the right to explain or acknowledge the fault. If the fault is acknowledged, that person publicly confesses (pāṭidesanā) and then follows the conditions of atonement. The whole process is not aimed at humiliation, but at restoring purity and trust within the Sangha.
Practical Meaning
The Sahadhammika Sutta teaches that in a monastic community, criticism of faults must follow the principle of righteousness.
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