Lzh Sarv Bu Pm 2 Ss 9Making an Accusation Out of Anger on an Irrelevant Pretext
Pāli / Sanskrit:Aññabhāgiya
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An Interpretation of the Aññabhāgiya Sutta
The Offense of Making a Groundless Accusation Out of Anger
Background
The Aññabhāgiya Sutta is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the monastic rules (Bhikkhupātimokkha). It is one of the prohibitions (Pātimokkha) promulgated by the Buddha to govern the conduct of the community of monks and nuns, in order to protect the harmony and purity of the order.
The title “Aññabhāgiya” (aññ- = other; -bhāgiya = side, portion) means “outside the matter” or “accusation on an irrelevant pretext.” The background for this prohibition is that monks used fabricated, groundless accusations merely to take revenge or express personal anger. Such conduct disturbs the Sangha and destroys mettā, the spirit of loving-kindness fundamental to Buddhism.
Main Content
The sutta warns that a monk must not accuse another monk regarding an irrelevant matter merely because he is angry. A concrete example: if two monks have a conflict about issue X, one must not suddenly accuse the other about entirely different issue Y merely to take revenge or cause harm.
This conduct is considered a defilement (kilesa) when it arises from a mind of aversion (dosa), from anger, and not from the truthful purpose of moral correction. The Vinaya Piṭaka clearly distinguishes between: (1) pointing out a disciple’s fault for the benefit of their awakening, and (2) accusation from an evil motive. Both use the word “accusation,” but their natures are entirely different.
This prohibition is also related to the concept “Aññabhāgika-duṭṭhulla,” an accusation in an irrelevant matter regarded as a serious offense (duṭṭhulla). The offender must confess the fault before the Sangha in order to be purified again.
Practical Meaning
The Aññabhāgiya Sutta teaches us about integrity (honesty) and purity of intention in communication.
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