Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Pc 12Evasive Speech
Pāli / Sanskrit:Aññavādaka
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The Sutta on Evasive Speech (Aññavādaka)
Background
The Aññavādaka Sutta (Evasive Speech) belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically the Pātimokkha, the basic code, in the Pācittiya section. These are the training rules of Theravāda Buddhism, directly connected with the ethics and discipline of monks and nuns in the Sangha.
This code was established by the Buddha to preserve the purity of the Sangha and to ensure a peaceful and clean domain of practice. The Aññavādaka Sutta focuses on a type of violation connected with evasive, indirect, and dishonest speech used to conceal the truth or mislead others.
Main Content
Aññavādaka (aññavāda = speaking aside, speaking around; vācā = speech, way of speaking) refers to the act of speaking indirectly, ambiguously, or evasively, especially when questioned about violations of discipline or wrongs one has committed. Instead of acknowledging the truth or answering directly, the practitioner says something else, speaks in circles, or uses obscure words to conceal their action.
The Buddha especially valued truthfulness (sacca) and directness (ujju) in speech. A monk violates this rule when, knowing that he has done wrong and being asked about it, instead of acknowledging it clearly, he uses verbal strategies to evade or make the answer unclear. This not only violates the spirit of honesty but also harms trust and transparency in the Sangha.
This act is classified as Pācittiya, a type of offense requiring confession (pāṭidesanā). This indicates that the fault is not extremely grave, but still requires open and active correction in order to restore the purity of the offender.
Practical Meaning
The Aññavādaka Sutta teaches us that honesty is the foundation of Dharma practice. In Buddhism, there is no place for lying or concealment, even when one appears to be trying to protect oneself or avoid consequences.
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