Lzh Sarv Bu Pm Pc 83Deception

The Sutta on Deception (Mohana Pātimokkha)

Background

This sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, specifically to the Pātimokkha, the basic ethical code that monks and nuns must observe daily. In the context of the earliest community of practice, the Buddha laid down rules to preserve right conduct, protect trust, and maintain the purity of the Sangha.

The sutta “Deception” (Mohana), a Pāli word meaning “deception, concealing the truth,” is one of the prohibitions (Pācittiya or Sekhiya) that monks must avoid. It is not the gravest offense, but it is common and subtle, easily occurring in daily life. This falsehood may occur through speech, action, or attitude, including subtle ways of concealing the true nature of one’s conduct or thoughts.

Main Content

The rule against deception centers on the principle that monks must not deliberately use deceptive means to hide violations, illicit possessions, or shortcomings in their conduct. This includes pretending to be pure when the mind in fact still contains wrong thoughts, or deliberately creating a strong impression of virtue in order to gain the reverence of others.

Specifically, deception may appear as misrepresenting the truth about one’s status, spiritual abilities, or observance of the Dharma; constructing a false image in order to receive undeserved respect; hiding shortcomings or faults in practice; or using outward actions such as gestures, facial expressions, or artificial words to make others misunderstand one’s true nature.

This rule has deep roots: deception destroys the foundation of trust in the Sangha, obstructs the individual’s true spiritual growth, and produces consequences from a divided mind, lacking unity between speech, action, and inner thought. For a practitioner, falsehood is self-obstruction, building a wall that conceals the light of wisdom.