Upp Pc 14Evasive Speech

The Sutta on Evasive Speech (Aññavādaka)

Context

Aññavādaka (Pāli: aññavādaka, from “aññavāda,” speaking otherwise, denial) is a rule in the Pātimokkha of the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Upajjhātikā Pārājika section of the bhikkhunī Pātimokkha. This discourse is recorded in the Uppajjhātikā Pācittiya, rule 14, concerning the conduct of distorting speech or evasively avoiding responsibility by nuns.

In the context of monastic life, this rule arose to protect the purity of the community of practice and trust among its members. Evasive speech is not only falsehood but also an act that undermines communal harmony (saṃgha).

Main Content

The Aññavādaka Pācittiya states that if a nun, when asked about a specific matter she has said or done, deliberately denies it or says something different, such as “I did not say that,” “that was not my meaning,” or “I do not understand,” and this does not accord with what happened, then this is a Pācittiya offense.

The conduct of “evasively denying” (aññavāda) is understood more deeply as playfulness before the truth, failing to acknowledge one’s fault or deliberately distorting events. The important point is that this dishonesty must be intentional, not due to misunderstanding or faulty memory.

This rule differs from Sammāvāda Pācittiya, truthful speech, in that it focuses on the act of concealing, denying, or failing to acknowledge a fault, rather than only blatant lying. It is a more cunning form of dishonesty.

Practical Meaning

Aññavādaka Pācittiya reminds practitioners of the power of acknowledgment and personal responsibility. In early Buddhism, an important part of practice is developing integrity (Pāli: sacca, truth).

When we conceal or evade, we create cracks in communal relationships and in our own consciousness. Distortion of speech undermines Sangha Khaṇḍa, communal harmony, one of the Three Jewels.