Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Dh Pc 43Making Stains
Pāli / Sanskrit:Dubbaṇṇakaraṇa
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The Dubbaṇṇakaraṇa Discourse (Making Stains)
Background
The Dubbaṇṇakaraṇa discourse (Making Stains) belongs to the Vinaya Pitaka, the disciplinary section of the early Buddhist scriptures. This is a rule (sikkhāpada) governing the conduct of bhikkhus and is related to protecting personal honor and harmony in the Sangha.
The word "Dubbaṇṇakaraṇa" in Pāli means "making dishonor," "causing defilement," or "making ugly." In the context of practice, when a bhikkhu intentionally damages the spirit or honor of another person, whether through speech or action, this is considered an unwholesome act, contrary to the pure and compassionate way of life that Buddhists should maintain.
This rule reflects a profound principle in the Buddha Dharma: mutual respect and not harming others through unethical means. The act of "making stains" is seen as a violation of personal ethics and a disruption of harmony in the Sangha, thereby obstructing collective practice.
Main Content
In the context of the Vinaya Pitaka, this rule specifically points out prohibited actions. When a bhikkhu intentionally causes another person, whether another bhikkhu, a layperson, or anyone else, to lose honor or be harmed in mind or reputation, that is considered a serious fault.
The act of "making stains" may appear in many ways: lying about another person, publicly exposing their faults in order to insult them, taking advantage of their personal injuries or weaknesses, or intentionally damaging their honor before the public. All of these actions aim to "stain" the reputation (vaṇṇa) of the other person.
The disciplinary text also points out that intention is the key factor. If an action causes negative consequences but is not intentional, the degree of offense differs from that of a bhikkhu who deliberately causes harm. However, the essential point is that one should not allow one's actions to diminish the honor or purity of others, for this is contrary to the spirit of boundless loving-kindness and compassion (maitrī, karuṇā).
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