Lzh Sarv Bu Pm 2 Pc 69Groundless Accusation

The Discourse on Groundless Accusation (Amūlaka)

Background

The Amūlaka Sutta is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pātimokkha, the basic code that bhikkhus must observe. The Vinaya Piṭaka is not simply a set of punitive rules, but a collection of instructions intended to cultivate character, protect the Sangha community, and promote diligence in practice.

This discourse arose from a specific event in the life of the Buddha Śākyamuni, when some bhikkhus were accused of wrong actions without actual evidence or valid grounds. The Buddha saw the harm caused by groundless accusations (amūlaka): they destroy faith, divide the community, and weaken the foundation of practice.

Main Content

The Amūlaka Sutta concerns prohibitions related to accusing members of the Sangha. Specifically, a bhikkhu must not:

First, accuse another bhikkhu of wrong actions or offenses without authentic evidence, whether by what has been seen (diṭṭha), by what has been heard (suta), or by inference (muta). These are three kinds of evidence recognized in the Vinaya Piṭaka for verifying a violation.

Second, the discourse emphasizes that a groundless accusation is an act of ill will, causing great harm. It not only defames the one accused, but also creates doubt within the community of practice and destroys trust among bhikkhus.

Third, to protect the sanctity of the Sangha, the Buddha gives this principle: when accusing someone, the accuser has the responsibility to provide evidence. If there is no evidence, the accusation is regarded as falsehood and a violation of the Vinaya.

This rule applies fairly to everyone in the Sangha, without distinction of age or status, expressing the principle of equality before the Vinaya.

Practical Meaning

The Amūlaka Sutta teaches us a profound lesson about responsibility and ethics in speech. In a community of practice, trust is the foundation for the flourishing of study and cultivation.