San Lo Bu Pm Pc 12Evasive Speech
Pāli / Sanskrit:Aññavādaka
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The Scripture on Evasive Speech (Aññavādaka)
Background
The Aññavādaka scripture belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically the Pātimokkha in Pāli or Prātimokṣa in Sanskrit, the collection of basic disciplinary rules that Buddhist monks and nuns must observe. This scripture is found among the Pācittiya offenses, those requiring confession, which are heavier than certain minor offenses but lighter than Pārājika offenses, which lead to expulsion.
The background of this scripture is connected with practical situations in the Buddha's Sangha. When monks and nuns committed offenses or were accused, they often tried to evade or lie in order to conceal the truth. The Buddha saw that this conduct caused division in the Sangha and damaged purity and trust. Therefore, he established the rule on "evasive speech" to protect morality and honesty in the community of practitioners.
Main Content
The Aññavādaka scripture forbids monks and nuns from using "evasive speech" when questioned about faults. "Evasive speech" (aññavādaka) means saying something other than the truth, using fabricated reasons, or avoiding a direct answer in order to conceal one's wrongdoing.
Specifically, this rule applies when a monk or nun has performed a prohibited act, and when questioned by others or by the Sangha, does not honestly acknowledge it but instead lies, distorts the truth, or tries to evade. This act is considered a Pācittiya offense, requiring the offender to confess publicly before the Sangha.
This rule concerns not only major offenses but also small matters. The important point lies in the attitude of avoiding responsibility and lacking honesty. Buddhism regards truthfulness (sacca) as one of its core values, because it is the foundation of morality and practice.
Practical Meaning
The Aññavādaka scripture teaches that those who practice the Buddhist path must have the courage to look directly at their own mistakes.
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