Lzh Sarv Bi Vb Ss 12Difficult to Correct
Pāli / Sanskrit:Dubbaca
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Dabbaca Sutta (Difficult to Correct)
Background
The Dabbaca Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Pāli Canon, specifically the Saṃyutta Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga, the analysis of the discipline for female bhikkhus. In the Theravāda tradition, the Vinaya Pitaka is the ethical and disciplinary foundation of the community of monks and nuns, established by the Buddha to protect the Dharma and nurture the spiritual development of his disciples.
The word “Dabbaca” (dubbaca) means “difficult to correct” or “difficult to tame,” referring to monastics who are hard to instruct, unwilling to change, and resistant to advice. This text was composed to identify and handle cases in which a bhikkhunī is obstinate and does not accept instruction from leaders of the community or from wise companions in the path.
Main Content
The Dabbaca Sutta addresses the faults and improper behavior of bhikkhunīs within the monastic community. The focus is on cases in which a bhikkhunī does not follow the rules, refuses advice, and intentionally maintains actions that constitute violations.
The Vinaya Pitaka prescribes that when a monastic exhibits such “difficult to correct” behavior, the community of monks and nuns must carry out appropriate steps of intervention. These steps include: first, private admonition; then public admonition; and if necessary, other disciplinary measures may be applied, such as tajjaniya-kamma, an act of censure, or forms of temporary separation.
The important point is that this process is not irrational punishment, but loving care intended to help the monastic recognize the fault, correct the behavior, and return to the proper path of practice. If the monastic still stubbornly refuses, the community must take decisive action to protect the purity of the Dharma.
Practical Meaning
The Dabbaca Sutta offers a profound lesson on the importance of humility (vinaya) and willingness to accept instruction.
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