Lzh Sarv Bi Vb Pc 155Reviling a Group
Pāli / Sanskrit:Gaṇaparibhāsana
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Explanation of the Gaṇaparibhāsana Scripture
On Reviling a Group
Background
Gaṇaparibhāsana is a regulation in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, belonging to the Pātimokkha Saṃvara Sutta, the disciplinary rules concerning the first steps of cultivation. This scripture lies within the collection of Pācittiya rules, violations requiring confession, that is, actions that fail to comply with the basic discipline for bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs.
In the context of the Sangha community in the Buddha’s time, matters concerning speech and attitude were carefully examined. This scripture arose from specific situations when the Buddha or senior disciples discovered problems of disrespect, public reviling, or insulting a group of bhikkhus, bhikkhunīs, or fellow practitioners of the Dharma. Public reviling causes division in the Sangha, weakens faith, and creates an environment unfavorable to practice of the Path.
Main Content
The gaṇaparibhāsana regulation forbids bhikkhus from reviling, criticizing, or publicly insulting a group of monastics, or a group of fellow practitioners. The important point is the public nature of the act: not private criticism, but the public expression of insulting or disparaging words in the presence of many people. This act is considered a Pācittiya, a violation requiring confession at the Uposatha gathering, the day for reciting the discipline.
The nature of the violation lies in the intention to harm the reputation or harmony of the group. Even if the criticisms contain some truth, publicly reviling others before a crowd is still improper and a violation. This rule encourages bhikkhus to discuss matters concerning discipline or conduct through the official channels of the Sangha, not through public criticism.
The rule also reflects balance in the Vinaya: it does not prohibit speaking up to correct wrong conduct, with a motive grounded in the Dharma, but requires that this be done with consideration, discreetly, and in accordance with official procedures.
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