Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Sk 9Na dundumaṁ

Na Dundumaṁ Sutta: Teaching on Not Following Rumors

Background

Na Dundumaṁ (बुद्धवचन) is a scripture belonging to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Early Buddhist tradition, recording a teaching on the method of distinguishing right and wrong, true and false, in receiving and practicing the Buddha Dharma. This discourse arises from the context in which bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs often encountered rumors, advice from many sides, and needed a firm foundation for discerning the authentic Buddha Dharma.

The Buddha formulated this set of standards not to restrict faith, but to teach disciples the ability to verify the Dharma for themselves through their wisdom, rather than relying merely on idle speech or certification from others. This is a foundational spirit of the Early Buddhist tradition: encouraging self-discipline and direct realization.

Main Content

In the Na Dundumaṁ Sutta, the Buddha gives a detailed list of the bases that should not be used to confirm that a teaching is authentic Buddha Dharma. The discourse emphasizes that one should not believe on the basis of:

First, because it is an old tradition (anussava, oral transmission from former generations). Second, because it is a scripture handed down from long ago (paramparā). Third, because it is heard as rumor among people (suta, reputation). Fourth, because it is one’s own reasoning or logical argument (iti saṁvohārā, theoretical concepts). Fifth, because it is inferred from theory (diṭṭhi, personal view).

Instead, the Buddha points out that only when a teaching is practiced by oneself, directly verified, and seen to bring beneficial results for oneself as well as for others should it be trusted and practiced. This is the sole standard: verification through practice, not through any form of blind belief.