Lzh Sarv Bu Pm 2 Pc 12Complaining
Pāli / Sanskrit:Ujjhāpanaka
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EXPLANATION OF THE UJJHĀPANAKA SUTTA (COMPLAINING)
Background
The Ujjhāpanaka Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhadharma tradition, specifically in the Pātimokkha, the basic code for bhikkhus. Ujjhāpanaka means "complaining" or "improper criticism," referring to the act of secretly criticizing, mocking, or slandering a noble monk or another Dharma friend.
This sutta was established when bhikkhus at Sāvatthī secretly criticized one another, causing division in the monastic body. The Buddha recognized that this conduct destroyed the harmony (sāmaggī) of the Sangha, one of the most important factors for the long-lasting presence of the Buddhadharma. Therefore, he established a prohibition (Pātimokkha) to restrict this action, classifying it into different levels depending on the nature of the violation.
In the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, this sutta is not merely an administrative law, but a direct expression of the Buddha’s compassion and wisdom, intended to protect the purity of the monastic body and nurture a pure environment for practice.
Main Content
The Ujjhāpanaka Sutta explains that a bhikkhu must not complain about or criticize anyone, publicly or secretly, especially sincere practitioners. Complaining is understood as mocking, slandering, or ridiculing with the motive of harming someone’s honor or causing division.
This rule is divided into many specific situations. If a bhikkhu complains about a noble monk (arhat), one who has eradicated the defilements, this is a serious violation. If he complains about others, the degree of violation may differ. The important matter is not whether the content of the speech is true or false, but the motive (cetanā) and the manner of carrying it out, whether secretly or publicly.
The sutta emphasizes that the purpose of this rule is to protect the harmony of the monastic body. When members trust and respect one another, the Buddhadharma flourishes. Conversely, complaining is an action of jealousy, conceit, or ignorance, factors that destroy from within.
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