San Lo Bu Pm Pc 65Scaring
Pāli / Sanskrit:Bhiṁsāpana
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Explanation of the Bhiṁsāpana Discourse (Discourse on Causing Fear)
Background
The Bhiṁsāpana discourse is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pātimokkha, the recited code, in the Pācittiya section, rules that give rise to minor offenses requiring confession. This is not purely a discourse on doctrine, but a document for governing the Bhikkhunī Sangha, containing specific actions that those gone forth must avoid.
The historical background of this discourse arises from situations that occurred in the community of the Buddha’s disciples. As the Sangha developed, detailed rules had to be established to maintain discipline and harmony. The Vinaya was compiled precisely to address problems arising from the practical reality of communal practice. The Bhiṁsāpana discourse is especially concerned with the act of frightening or alarming others, conduct that can negatively affect the peace of the Sangha and the faith of those who serve it.
Main Content
According to the Theravāda tradition, the Bhiṁsāpana discourse states that if a bhikkhunī intentionally frightens another person through action, speech, or gesture, she incurs a Pācittiya offense (pāpajjiya, wrongful conduct requiring confession). Specifically, “causing fear” includes sudden movements, threatening words, or actions intended to make others uneasy.
This rule protects not only those within the Sangha, but also attendants, non-Buddhists, or anyone within daily contact. More deeply, it reflects a basic principle of Buddhism: non-harming (ahiṁsā). Although the act of “frightening” may seem like a small fault, it goes against the spirit of compassion in a practitioner.
A Pācittiya offense requires the offender to confess the fault before another bhikkhunī.
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