Lzh Sarv Bu Pm Pj 4Laying False Claim to Superhuman Attainments
Pāli / Sanskrit:Uttarimanussadhamma
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Exposition of the Uttarimanussadhamma Sutta (False Claims About Superhuman Attainments)
Background
The Uttarimanussadhamma Sutta (Pāli: uttari = beyond; manussadhamma = qualities of human beings) is an important part of the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. This sutta is recorded in the Pātimokkha, the basic code for monks, especially in the Pārājika section, acts leading to complete expulsion from the Sangha, or the Saṅghādisesa section, acts requiring resolution by the Sangha.
The originating context of this sutta concerns monastics with dishonest intentions who declared that they had attained superior states such as supernormal powers of concentration (abhiññā), the fruit of arahantship (arahattaphala), or higher meditative absorptions, when in fact they had not attained them. This is a serious violation because it undermines the trust of laypeople, stains the honor of the Sangha, and violates the basic ethics of Buddhism.
Main Content
This sutta stipulates that a monk or nun must not declare superhuman attainments (uttarimanussadhamma) that they have not truly attained. These superhuman attainments include: (1) kinds of extraordinary knowledge (abhiññā), such as psychic power, the divine eye, and the divine ear; (2) noble fruits (phala), from stream-entry up to arhatship; and (3) advanced and wondrous states of concentration.
If a monastic, whether intentionally or unintentionally, declares an untruth about these attainments before another person or the community, that act is considered a violation of the Dharma and Vinaya. This sutta emphasizes that truth (saccaṁ) is the foundation of Buddhist conduct. If a person claims to have attained the highest wisdom while in fact remaining an ordinary worldling, this is a direct slander of the Buddha Dharma.
The sutta also prescribes how those who violate it are to be handled: they must confess their fault, apologize publicly before the Sangha, and, if necessary, undergo penalties or corrections decided by the Sangha.
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