Lzh Sarv Bu Vb Sk 81Finding Fault
Pāli / Sanskrit:Ujjhānasaññī
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Exposition of the Ujjhānasaññī Sutta (Finding Fault)
Background
Ujjhānasaññī (ujjhāna = finding fault, resentment; saññī = one who has such a perception) is part of the Vinaya Piṭaka of early Buddhism, specifically within the rules and customs of the community of monks and nuns. This sutta was recorded to govern and educate those who have gone forth regarding the mistaken action of always searching for faults in others without examining one's own faults.
In the context of communal life in the Sangha, the problem of "finding fault" (ujjhāna) is a mental action directly opposed to the balance, compassion, and mindfulness taught by the Buddha. This is not genuine admonition, which is the work of an elder or one with responsibility, but rather the psychological tendency of certain monastics or laypeople who live in constant criticism, dissatisfaction, and harshness toward others.
Main Content
The Ujjhānasaññī Sutta points out that one who has "the perception of finding fault" (ujjhānasaññī) is a person who continually attends to the mistakes and deficiencies of others. Such people spend their mental energy searching for and judging the weaknesses, limitations, or offenses of those around them. Instead of looking at themselves, they ceaselessly turn their attention toward others.
The sutta teaches that this action brings harmful consequences. First, it injures that person's own practice, because the mind is occupied by judgment and criticism instead of focusing on self-training. Second, it creates disharmony in the community, breaks relationships, and is contrary to the spirit of harmonious Sangha (samaggiya).
The sutta also reveals a deep connection: people with such a perception are often governed by tangled defilements such as envy (issā), attachment (lobha), hatred (dosa), or delusion (moha). From the Vinaya text, we see that the Buddha advised those who have gone forth to focus their attention on their own practice, especially on the five skandhas (khandha) and the four foundations of mindfulness (satipaṭṭhāna).
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