Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Pc 62Disrespect

Sutta on Disrespect (Anādariya)

Background

In the Vinaya Piṭaka of early Buddhism, the Anādariya Sutta (Disrespect) is recorded in the section of the Training Rules (Pātimokkha), specifically among the Pāṭidesanīya offenses, actions requiring acknowledgment before the monastic community. This sutta reflects a common situation in communal practice, when bhikkhus or bhikkhunīs show a lack of respect toward teachers, especially elder venerables (theragavara) or those who have sufficient experience in monastic practice.

The Buddha established these rules not to punish, but to protect harmony (samaggi) in the Sangha and to maintain the spirit of respect, which is the foundation of pure learning in the Dharma. Anādariya, from a- (not) + ādariya (respect), represents an attitude of mind not in harmony with Buddhism.

Main Content

The Anādariya Sutta instructs bhikkhus not to show disrespect toward monks or nuns who possess qualities worthy of respect. Specifically, these are actions such as not greeting respected persons when meeting them, not offering a seat, not listening to Dharma talks, or having a contemptuous or mocking attitude in communication.

According to the Pāṭidesanīya rule, any bhikkhu who violates this must openly acknowledge it before the venerable monks during the Uposatha recitation. This confession is not a severe punishment, but a way for the monastic to recognize the fault, rebuild a sense of moral shame (hirī), and fear of wrongdoing (ottappa), two core ethical factors in the Buddha-Dharma.

The sutta points out that Anādariya is not only an offense against another person, but also a self-destruction of one’s own right intention (sammā-cetanā). It reflects imbalance in the mind of the practitioner, when greed, hatred, or delusion take hold of consciousness.

Practical Meaning

The deep meaning of Anādariya lies in training the mind in respect, an energetic and essential virtue on the path to nirvana.