Upp Pc 52Concealing a Grave Offense
Pāli / Sanskrit:Duṭṭhulla
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THE DISCOURSE ON CONCEALING A GRAVE OFFENSE
Upp Pc 52 – Explanation of the Theravāda Vinaya Tradition
Background
The body of rules for bhikkhus, monks, records ethical and disciplinary regulations called the Vinaya Piṭaka. The text Upp Pc 52, Uppannakhandhaka, Pācittiya 52, belongs to the Pācittiya section, offenses requiring confession and purification. Duṭṭhulla, or “concealing a grave offense,” refers to the act of intentionally hiding, failing to disclose, or failing to report a serious violation committed by another person or by oneself.
The historical background of this text arose from the need to maintain clarity and trust within the Sangha community. When members conceal faults, this weakens collective ethics and violates the principle of transparency (pārisuddhi), one of the core values of Theravāda Buddhism.
Main Content
According to the Pācittiya regulation, a monastic may not intentionally conceal or hide the name of another person who has committed a grave offense (sañjānanā duṭṭhullaṃ paṭicchādeti). This action includes:
First, knowing clearly that there has been a serious violation but choosing to remain silent and not report it to those with authority (sthavirā, the elders). Second, actively covering up or denying the existence of the violation when questioned. Third, even when directly asked, still not acknowledging or revealing that offense.
The text states clearly that concealing a grave offense is a Pācittiya fault, that is, an offense requiring confession before the community (paccattaṃ yācitabbaṃ). This differs from the gravest offenses (pārājika), which lead to expulsion from the order. However, the nature of this offense lies in undermining transparency and collective trust.
The purpose of the regulation is so that all those in the Sangha may know the true ethical condition of their community, and from there preserve the foundation of the Buddha-Dharma.
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