Upp Pc 13Complaining
Pāli / Sanskrit:Ujjhāpanaka
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THE UJJHĀPANAKA SUTTA
Context
Ujjhāpanaka is found in the Sutta Vibhaṅga of the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pāṭimokkha Pabbajjasikkhāpadāni, the training rules for those gone forth. This discourse records situations that occurred at Jetavana while the Buddha was living there, concerning bhikkhus who complained and criticized the rules of practice in the Sangha community.
According to the early tradition, the Vinaya Piṭaka is not a set of one-sided prohibitions, but rules developed from specific cases. The Pātimokkha rules were formed through the recognition of wrongful actions, after which the Buddha guided the Sangha in establishing preventive rules. Ujjhāpanaka reflects this process, when bhikkhus complained about certain actions or decisions.
Main Content
Ujjhāpanaka concerns the conduct of complaining, criticizing, provoking, and creating dissatisfaction in the Sangha community (ujjhāpana: causing complaint, creating provocation). This is not a formal Pātimokkha rule, but part of the cases recorded in the Vibhaṅga.
When bhikkhus complain, publicly criticize one another, or criticize the decisions of the Buddha and the Sangha, this causes division and loss of harmony in the community. A community of practice cannot develop if it is filled with complaints, disrespectful criticism, and ornate words that do not arise from a wholesome intention.
The discourse records that complaining (ujjhāpanaka) is a sign of a mind that is not settled, not trusting, and not calm. It reflects attachment to one’s own views, lack of humility before those with greater experience, and neglect of guidance from the Buddha.
Practical Meaning
Ujjhāpanaka teaches that a true practitioner must develop a mind of gratitude (kataññutā) and a mind that understands benefactors (kataññu citta).
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