San Lo Bu Pm Pc 78Eavesdropping
Pāli / Sanskrit:Upassuti
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EAVESDROPPING DISCOURSE (UPASSUTI)
Background
The Upassuti discourse is recorded in the Vinaya Pitaka, specifically in the Pātimokkha, the basic code of practice for bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs. This is one of the disciplinary texts that clearly set out conduct violating the rules, established by the Buddha to protect the Sangha, the monastic community, and maintain discipline within it.
This text arose from specific situations in the practice life of the bhikkhus during the Buddha’s time. When a monastic did not observe discipline, or behaved in a way inappropriate to that status, the Buddha not only criticized the act but also established specific rules so that other bhikkhus would know what to avoid. The Upassuti discourse, Eavesdropping, is one such rule.
Main Content
Upassuti literally means “eavesdropping” or “listening unconsciously” to things one should not know. In the context of the Vinaya, this discourse concerns the conduct of bhikkhus when they take advantage of overhearing private information from others, or use information obtained unofficially as evidence against someone.
Specifically, this rule prohibits bhikkhus from eavesdropping on others’ conversations and then using the words they overheard to accuse, slander, or stir up dispute. This is conduct that violates another’s honor and creates unnecessary conflicts in the community of practice.
The discourse states that if a bhikkhu overhears the words of others not through an official channel, such as that person’s confession or confirmation by the majority of the Sangha, then using that information to accuse another is a disciplinary offense. This is intended to protect the honor of Sangha members and maintain a community based on trust and transparency.
Practical Meaning
From the perspective of practice, the Upassuti discourse teaches us about the sacredness of speech and responsibility in the use of information.
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