San Lo Bu Pm Pc 92Deception
Pāli / Sanskrit:Mohana
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Discourse on Deception (Mohana)
Background
The Discourse on Deception is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, as part of the regulations on collective ethics within the Sangha community. This is not an independent doctrinal discourse, but part of the Code of Rules (Pātimokkha), or regulations related to misconduct within the renunciant community.
In its historical context, the Buddha established disciplinary rules not to create bondage, but to protect the purity of the Sangha and create conditions for practice. Every rule arose from a specific event, in which a person or an unsuitable group of monastics violated ethical conduct. The Discourse on Deception was established to show that deception, pretense, or concealment of the truth in practice is a pārājika offense, that is, a grave fault.
Main Content
Deception (mohana), according to the Pāli Canon, is understood as the deliberate act of lying, pretending to possess virtues that one does not truly have, or concealing one’s own faults in order to avoid reproach from the Sangha. This is regarded as an especially serious act because it undermines trust, an essential element of the Buddhist community.
This rule prohibits deception not only in speech, but also in conduct. A monk or nun who pretends to possess spiritual attainments or special powers that they do not have, or deliberately conceals violations of the precepts, falls under deception. It differs from an ordinary fault; it is a betrayal of the very ethical foundation of the whole training.
This discourse emphasizes that truthfulness (saccakiriya) is one of the most important factors. A practitioner cannot develop wisdom (paññā) or concentration (samadhi) if they live in falsehood. Deception not only harms an individual’s honor, but also weakens the entire Sangha community.
Practical Meaning
In the context of modern practice, the Discourse on Deception teaches us the importance of honesty with oneself and with the community.
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