Lzh Sarv Bu Pm Pc 66Scaring
Pāli / Sanskrit:Bhiṁsāpana
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The Bhiṁsāpana Sutta (The Sutta on Causing Fear)
Background
The Bhiṁsāpana rule belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically the Pātimokkha — the basic code for bhikkhus. It is one of the disciplinary provisions established by the Buddha Gotama to protect virtue and harmony in the Sangha.
The Bhiṁsāpana rule concerns the prohibition against those gone forth causing fear (bhiṁsāpana) in others, especially actions that have the effect of frightening or threatening. According to the Theravāda tradition, this conduct is regarded as a violation of virtue because it is contrary to loving-kindness (mettā) and the wholesome mental disposition that a practitioner should cultivate.
Main Content
This rule was spoken by the Buddha to warn his disciples that they must not intentionally terrify, threaten, or psychologically attack others through fear-inducing actions. Such conduct not only directly harms the person frightened, but also reflects an impure mind — a mind lacking loving-kindness and containing anger.
According to the Vinaya Piṭaka, if a bhikkhu intentionally frightens another person by shouting, suddenly waving his hands, releasing objects that may cause fear, or similar actions, he commits an offense, usually Pācittiya or Dukkaṭa depending on the seriousness and intention. This act of causing fear is considered a basic lack of respect toward others and a violation of the principle of non-harming (ahiṃsā).
What matters is that intention (cetanā) is the key factor. If a bhikkhu frightens someone with the purpose of abusing spiritual authority or causing suffering, that is a clear violation. However, if the act has no intention to cause fear and is merely accidental, it is not an offense.
Practical Meaning
The Bhiṁsāpana rule reminds us that practice is not merely keeping an outward form, but cultivating genuine loving-kindness.
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