Lzh Sarv Bu Vb Pc 69Groundless Accusation
Pāli / Sanskrit:Amūlaka
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Discourse on Groundless Accusation (Amūlaka)
Background
The Discourse on Groundless Accusation belongs to the Pācittiya section of the Vinaya Piṭaka, where the training rules for bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs are recorded. This code is especially important in the Theravāda tradition because it protects the harmony of the Sangha community and the purity of the place of practice. The discourse is recorded in the context of the Buddha’s lifetime, when monastics did not always fully observe ethics and at times internal conflicts arose within the Sangha body.
A groundless accusation (amūlaka, meaning “without root”) refers to the act of accusing a monastic of things that are not real or lack sufficient evidence. This is an act that violates another’s honor, damages trust, and creates fractures within the Sangha community, an internal harm deeper even than material breaches of discipline.
Main Content
According to the Pācittiya rules, a bhikkhu must not accuse another bhikkhu of things that have no factual basis. This act is considered an offense if:
First, the accuser clearly knows that the accusation is false or unfounded; second, he intentionally states the accusation; third, this action causes division or disturbance within the Sangha body.
This rule does not merely protect the rights of an individual, but also serves the welfare of the community. If groundless accusations were allowed to spread, they would lead to suspicion, mutual loss of trust, and weakening of the spiritual strength of the Sangha. The Buddha emphasized that the Sangha body prospers only when there is harmony and mutual respect.
The discourse also makes clear that if an accusation is true, having a basis, and is raised with a pure intention, not out of hatred or jealousy, then it is not an offense. However, the speaker must bear complete responsibility for the truth of the words.
Practical Meaning
The essence of this discourse is a lesson in responsibility for speech and respect for truth.
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