Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Dh Pc 155Abusing Monks

Explanation of the Bhikkhuakkosana Discourse (The Offense of Abusive Criticism of Bhikkhus)

Background

The Bhikkhuakkosana discourse (Bhikkhukkhosana in some manuscripts) is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pātimokkha section, the collection of basic training rules for the Buddhist Sangha. This discourse records an offense belonging to the Pācittiya category, that is, offenses requiring confession and correction.

The background for this rule concerns bhikkhus who continued to criticize, insult, or misuse harmful speech to humiliate others in the Sangha. To protect the harmony and dignity of the community seeking the path, the Buddha established teachings concerning restraint of speech. This discourse expresses the principle that a monastic must preserve loving-kindness, respect fellow practitioners, and avoid harmful speech.

Main Content

In accordance with the spirit of the Pāli Vinaya Piṭaka, the Bhikkhuakkosana discourse forbids a bhikkhu to abuse speech in order to criticize, insult, or mock others in the Sangha publicly, especially when the purpose is to shame them or damage their reputation. This act is regarded as a Pācittiya offense, an offense requiring confession.

The discourse emphasizes that although bhikkhus may have different views concerning practice or training, such differences do not justify public criticism or humiliation. Instead, if one sees a fault, the practitioner should:

Approach the individual with compassion and discretion, instructing through persuasion rather than through abuse or public condemnation. If that person does not correct himself, then one should report the matter to the elders or to the Sangha for resolution according to the formal procedure.

One should value private conversations and respect the dignity of each person, because public insult harms both that individual and the spirit of the community.