San Lo Bi Vb Pc 91Abusing Monks
Pāli / Sanskrit:Bhikkhuakkosana
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SCRIPTURE ON REBUKING THE BHIKKHUS
Explanation of Bhikkhuakkosana (Abusing Monks)
Context
This scripture is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pātimokkhasutta of the Pātimokkha, in the Pācittiya section, offenses requiring confession. These are rules of ethics and discipline that Bhikkhus, those gone forth, must observe in the communal life of the Sangha.
The context in which this rule arose concerns events that occurred in the Sangha community during the Buddha's lifetime. Some monastics, in the course of practice, encountered difficulties, distress, or conflicts with companions, leading to acts of criticizing and verbally abusing one another groundlessly or excessively. Such actions destroy the harmony of the Sangha, create discord, and weaken the strength of the community of practice.
The Blessed One, the Buddha, saw this situation and established the Bhikkhuakkosana rule in order to protect the honor and dignity of the Bhikkhus, while also educating monastics in how to use speech responsibly and compassionately.
Main Content
This rule stipulates that a Bhikkhu must not criticize, abuse, or insult another Bhikkhu verbally in a groundless way or without legitimate reason. If this act is performed with the intention of causing harm, damaging honor, or creating conflict in the Sangha, then that Bhikkhu commits a Pācittiya offense, an offense requiring confession before the whole community.
However, the scripture also recognizes that there are legitimate cases in which it is necessary to point out another person's faults, but this must be done with the purpose of education, compassion, and in a courteous, respectful manner. This differs from criticism meant to abuse, to display one's superiority, or to take revenge.
The scripture emphasizes that the speech of a Bhikkhu must accord with the Fivefold Discipline of Speech (Vacīsīla): speaking the truth (satya), speaking what is beneficial (arthavacana), speaking gentle words (priya-vacana), speaking meaningful words (atthasambhāvita), and speaking with a mind of loving-kindness (mettacitto).
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