Lzh Sarv Bu Pm Ss 3Indecent Speech
Pāli / Sanskrit:Duṭṭhullavācā
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Discourse on Indecent Speech (Duṭṭhullavācā)
Context
This discourse belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Pāli Canon, the rules of moral training for the Theravāda Buddhist Sangha. The Vinaya Pitaka was compiled from decisions of the Buddha Śākyamuni in order to maintain discipline and purity in the community of practice. The Duṭṭhullavācā discourse is found in the "Sutta Vibhaṅga," the detailed expositions of each rule.
The word "Duṭṭhulla" (in the neuter form Duṭṭhullavācā) is formed from "duṭṭha" (vulgar, coarse, improper) and "vācā" (speech, words). This discourse concerns one of the basic prohibitions in Buddhism: speaking vulgar, impure words inappropriate for one who has gone forth. In the context of the Vinaya Pitaka, indecent speech is understood as lustful or strange language, or utterances that take bodily pleasure as their subject in a way not suitable to the Buddha Dharma.
Main Content
The Duṭṭhullavācā discourse defines and explains indecent speech that bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs are not permitted to engage in. According to the Vinaya Pitaka, indecent speech includes stories, comments, or suggestions related to sexual matters, directly or indirectly. This is not merely rough or vulgar speech in the ordinary sense, but expressions that violate the spirit of celibacy and purity toward which the Buddha Dharma aims.
The discourse distinguishes different degrees of offense: from mild suggestions to clear and explicit statements. It also considers context: who is speaking, whether monastic or layperson; who is listening; and whether the action causes harm or discomfort to another. The Vinaya Pitaka emphasizes that a bhikkhu must always guard wisdom and discipline in speech, because speech is the direct expression of the mind.
Practical Meaning
The profound meaning of this discourse lies in recognizing that speech reflects the inner life.
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