San Lo Bi Vb Pc 40Scaring

Commentary on the Bhiṁsāpana Sutta (Scaring)

From the Traditional Theravāda Vinaya Piṭaka

Context

The Bhiṁsāpana Sutta is found in the San Lo Bi Vb (Saṃghādisesa Vibhaṅga — the commentary section on the Saṃghādisesa rules, that is, those offenses which must ultimately be dealt with by the Saṅgha), specifically at Pc 40 (Pācittiya Pc 40). These are training rules (vinaya) relating to the act of "causing fear" (bhiṁsāpana) among monks.

In the context of Theravāda Buddhism, the Vinaya Piṭaka was established on the basis of specific incidents caused by the Buddha or his disciples. This sutta reflects occasions on which members of the Saṅgha used actions, words, or attitudes with the intention of frightening others. The formulation of this rule was intended to maintain calm and harmony within the Saṅgha and to protect the honor of Buddhism within the broader community.

The rule concerning "causing fear" is not limited solely to threats involving physical force, but also encompasses actions capable of disturbing the mind, undermining confidence, or bringing instability to members of the lay community as well as to the Saṅgha itself.

Main Content

The Bhiṁsāpana Sutta stipulates that a monk or nun should not engage in actions intended to cause fear in others, whether by uttering threats, displaying an aggressive demeanor, making menacing gestures, or by any other such action. Violation of this rule is regarded as a Pācittiya offense — that is, an offense requiring confession and acknowledgment before another monk in order to be cleared.

The specific content of this sutta has not been rendered in complete translation, but according to the general context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, the act of "causing fear" is regulated in detail through specific cases: using harsh or intimidating speech, threatening to withdraw from the Saṅgha, employing one's authority to coerce others, or even resorting to base means in order to humiliate another person.