Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Pc 44Making Stains

Dubbaṇṇakaraṇa Scripture: The Rule on Staining Honor

Background

The Dubbaṇṇakaraṇa scripture (Pāli: dubbaṇṇa = bad or stained reputation, karaṇa = making) is one of the important ethical rules belonging to the Pāṭimokkha in the Theravāda tradition. This scripture is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Bhikkhunī Pāṭimokkha, the training rules for bhikkhunīs.

According to the historical context, the scripture was established after the Buddha witnessed events connected with harm to reputation in the Sangha. The purpose of this rule is not to punish, but to educate disciples about the importance of honor, not personal honor rooted in craving, but moral honor connected with the community’s trust and the teaching.

Main Content

The Dubbaṇṇakaraṇa rule prohibits bhikkhunīs from intentionally staining the reputation of others, especially monastics or those practicing moral conduct. This act includes speaking offensive words, defaming others, or spreading inaccurate information in order to damage their credibility.

The scripture defines the prohibited act specifically: it occurs when a bhikkhunī, with ill intent or through negligence, speaks or acts in a way that causes loss of trust, criticism, or opposition against another practitioner. Whether by speech or action, this behavior creates division in the Sangha and weakens the power of the Dharma.

The important point is that the rule does not forbid legitimate criticism or pointing out another’s faults. Instead, it forbids acts motivated by harmful intent, falsehood, or deliberate destruction of someone’s honor. The difference lies in the root of the mind, distinguishing between kindness that wishes to correct faults and a malicious mind that wishes to harm another.

Practical Meaning

The Dubbaṇṇakaraṇa scripture has profound significance for ethics in the monastic community. It reminds us that practice concerns not only the individual, but also affects the entire Sangha.