Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Ss 13Corrupters of Families

DISCOURSE ON THOSE WHO CORRUPT FAMILIES (Kuladūsaka)

Background

The Kuladūsaka Sutta is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Early Buddhist tradition, especially in the sections regulating the ethical conduct of bhikkhus. This discourse appears in the context of the Buddha building the Vinaya system to regulate the community of disciples who had gone forth. These rules are not arbitrary impositions, but arise from specific events: when a bhikkhu violates ethics, the Buddha establishes a rule (Pātimokkha) to prevent that action.

The title “Kuladūsaka” (those who greatly corrupt, or corrupt families) refers to individuals whose actions or words cause great harm to families, especially families with members who have gone forth or who are connected with the Sangha.

Main Content

In the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, this discourse is usually connected with regulations about how bhikkhus should behave toward devotees and lay families. The main emphasis is this: bhikkhus whose actions, words, or attitudes undermine families’ faith in the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha) are regarded as “corrupters of families.”

This includes actions such as creating discord between devotees and the Sangha, engaging in unethical competition for personal gain, or using religious status to exploit families. The discourse emphasizes that such actions not only cause immediate harm but also have long-term consequences, weakening the spiritual foundation of the community.

The Vinaya Piṭaka sets forth punishments or corrective measures for offenders, from admonition to public censure or requiring public confession before the Sangha. The ultimate purpose is to protect the integrity and honor of the Sangha, while also protecting the spiritual welfare of faithful families.

Practical Meaning

For Buddhists in the modern age, the Kuladūsaka Sutta carries a profound lesson about ethical responsibility.