Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Dh Pc 94Complaining About Others

The Paraujjhāpanaka Sutta (Accusing Others)

Background

The Paraujjhāpanaka Sutta, in Pāli “Accusing Others,” belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga or the section of rules related to faults of bhikkhunīs. This sutta arose from a specific event when bhikkhunīs violated the precepts, especially through accusing, complaining about, or slandering others without basis.

In the early monastic context, maintaining harmony in the community (Sangha) was essential. The mentality of complaint and baseless accusation causes division, destroys unity, and makes the goal of practice in peace impossible to attain. This sutta was recorded to define the boundary between legitimately pointing out faults, with a basis, and harmful accusation, without basis or with ill will.

Main Content

The sutta stipulates that if a bhikkhunī accuses or complains about another person without factual basis or with the purpose of harming that person’s honor, she commits one of the faults recorded in the Pātimokkha. This conduct is classified as Pācittiya, an offense requiring confession and instruction.

The sutta emphasizes three important factors for identifying harmful accusation: first, the content of the accusation must be untrue or lack firm grounds; second, the accuser’s intention must include an aspect of causing harm; third, the accusation is made publicly or in a way that creates negative influence.

Conversely, the sutta also recognizes that pointing out another’s faults in a proper way, with basis, for the purpose of renewal and protecting the Teaching, is not considered harmful accusation but an act of compassion, provided the person points it out calmly, privately, and in a spirit of sincere admonition.

Practical Meaning

The Paraujjhāpanaka Sutta teaches that, in the monastic community, our speech has great power.