San Lo Bi Vb Pc 55Legitimate Correction

The Sahadhammika Rule (Rightful Correction)

Background

The Sahadhammika rule belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically the Pācittiya section of the disciplinary code. These are disciplinary rules for monks and nuns in the Sangha, intended to maintain harmony and purity in the monastic community.

Sahadhammika means “those who share the Dhamma” (sa-ha-dhammika: those who work together on the path of the Dharma). This rule concerns the correction or criticism of other monastics when they violate the precepts, but the manner of correction must follow right principles, not simply speaking at any time or in any way without consideration.

This background reflects a reality in the early Sangha: in order for the Sangha to maintain purity (pārisuddhi), its members needed to remind one another when there were faults, but the manner of admonition had to accord with principles of kindness (mettā), wisdom (paññā), and fairness (dhamma).

Main Content

The Sahadhammika rule states that when a monk or nun wishes to correct (anusāsana) or admonish another friend in the Dhamma about a violation of the precepts, five conditions must be observed:

First, the one giving correction must personally maintain the precepts (Pātimokkha) rightly and properly, not violating them personally while criticizing others. This is the natural principle of teaching first by conduct.

Second, the one giving correction must have a sincere intention, arising from compassion (anukampā) for the one being corrected, not from anger, jealousy, or the wish to seek fault.

Third, the proper time must be chosen for admonition. One should not correct someone publicly before a crowd, causing that person to lose face (ana-bhāgiyaṃ). One should seek a private and discreet opportunity so that the person can receive the advice without excessive shame.

Fourth, speech must be gentle and harmonious, using positive and encouraging words, not harsh, crude, or attacking.