Lzh Sarv Bu Vb Pc 13Evasive Speech
Pāli / Sanskrit:Aññavādaka
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Explanation of the Aññavādaka Sutta (Evasive Speech)
Background
The Aññavādaka Sutta is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pātimokkha, the basic code of the Buddhist Sangha. It is not a discourse teaching lofty doctrine, but a rule of practice related to the ethics and speech of monastics.
The word “Aññavādaka” means “evasive speech” or “speech that turns aside,” referring to vague, indirect, or unstraightforward statements. In the context of Sangha discipline, this is a Pātimokkha violation that bhikkhus must avoid. This rule was promulgated by the Buddha, the Blessed One, to maintain straightforwardness, honesty, and trustworthiness in the community of monks and nuns.
The Vinaya Piṭaka was compiled to guide the Sangha in living harmoniously, with discipline and honesty. Each rule originated from a specific event that occurred while the Buddha was still alive, and the Buddha, the Blessed One, established it to teach his disciples to avoid harmful conduct.
Main Content
Aññavādaka is one of the minor offenses (Pācittiya) listed in the Vinaya Piṭaka. This offense occurs when a bhikkhu speaks evasively, unclearly, or tries to avoid responsibility when directly questioned about some matter, especially when it concerns rules of practice and discipline.
A typical example is when a bhikkhu is asked, “Does that fellow monastic observe the precepts?” and he does not answer clearly “yes” or “no,” but instead says vague things such as “People say so” or “There are people who say so,” in order to avoid direct responsibility. This is precisely “evasive speech.”
This rule emphasizes the importance of frankness and honesty in the community of practice. Theravāda Buddhism values transparency and mutual trust.
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