Lzh Sarv Bu Pm 2 Pc 75Legitimate Correction
Pāli / Sanskrit:Sahadhammika
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Interpretation of the Sahadhammika Sutta (Legitimate Correction)
Background
The Sahadhammika Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition and forms part of the Pātimokkha, the rules according to classes of offenses. It is not a doctrinal discourse but a discourse of discipline, the foundation for managing the ethics and discipline of the monastic community and female devotees.
The background of this discourse lies in the early period of the Sangha, when the Buddha and his disciples were alive and active, frequently encountering practical issues concerning conduct, qualities, and correction within the monastic community. The Sahadhammika Sutta concerns the right and responsibility of members of the Sangha to correct one another's mistakes or unsuitable conduct.
The word "Sahadhammika" means "one who shares the True Dharma" or "one who follows the Dharma together," that is, members of the Sangha who have a shared responsibility to maintain the spirit of practice and the purity of the community.
Main Content
This discourse states that transgressions, whether mistakes or violations of rules, need to be corrected through legitimate means (dhamma). This does not mean mechanical punishment, but wise and compassionate adjustment, with the purpose of improvement and education.
Legitimate correction according to this discourse must follow basic principles: (1) it must be based on the True Dharma and Vinaya, not on personal feelings; (2) the one giving correction must have good intention (kusala cetanā), aiming to help the corrected person recognize the error; (3) the process must be public and transparent, not secret criticism; (4) the method must be reasonable, using skillful speech rather than harsh words.
In the Buddhist Sangha, unsuitable conduct is not to be ignored, but it is also not to be handled cruelly. The Sahadhammika Sutta emphasizes that this is an act of compassion, "protecting the Dharma" (dhammarakkha), protecting the Dharma and the community through timely correction.
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