Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Dh Pc 156Reviling a Group
Pāli / Sanskrit:Gaṇaparibhāsana
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Gaṇaparibhāsana Discourse: Words of Ridicule Toward a Group
Background
Gaṇaparibhāsana is found in the Pāṭimokkha section of the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically among the Pācittiya rules, offenses requiring confession. This discourse arose from specific events in the monastic community during the Buddha’s time, when some bhikkhus used venomous speech to insult the honor of other monks or of a group within the Sangha.
The historical background records bhikkhus who tried to lower the reputation of fellow practitioners by ridiculing them and criticizing them disrespectfully before the public. These were not constructive criticisms intended to correct bad habits, but words intended to wound the honor of an individual or group. The Buddha saw that such conduct violated the spirit of harmony (sāmaggī) and respect within the Sangha, and so established this rule.
Main Content
The Gaṇaparibhāsana discourse provides that a bhikkhu must not ridicule, speak insulting words, or insult the honor of a group of monastics (gaṇa) or of the community. If a bhikkhu intentionally speaks sharp, contemptuous words intended to hurt or shame a group or the whole Sangha, he commits a Pācittiya offense.
This rule does not forbid legitimate criticism or the pointing out of real shortcomings in order to help others practice better. The difference lies in intention (cetanā): if speech arises from compassion and the wish to help others perfect their virtue, there is no offense. Conversely, if the intention is to shame, mock, or hurt, then even if the content contains truth, it is still an offense against the Dharma.
This rule protects both individuals and the community from the abuse of speech. It emphasizes that in the Sangha, our words should be directed toward building up, advising, and encouraging, not toward injuring or belittling.
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