San Lo Bu Pm Ss 3Indecent Speech

Exposition of the Duṭṭhullavācā Scripture (Indecent Speech)

Background

The Duṭṭhullavācā scripture is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, where the rules of training and discipline in the early Buddhist Sangha are preserved. The background of this scripture arises from incidents of disciplinary violation in the monastic community, especially in relation to the use of speech. The Buddha, with immeasurable wisdom, saw that some bhikkhus engaged in coarse conversations and did not preserve purity of speech. This not only diminished the respect of others but also obstructed their own inward path of practice.

The Vinaya Piṭaka, with specific matters such as this, is intended to protect the purity of the Sangha and help bhikkhus maintain the highest ethical standards. The rule on indecent speech is not an arbitrary restriction, but a practical guideline based on the fundamental Buddhist principles of avoiding harm and cultivating concentration, wisdom, and morality.

Main Content

The Duṭṭhullavācā scripture concerns the matter of "indecent speech" (duṭṭhullavācā), meaning statements that are insensitive, base, or inappropriate to the pure nature of a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī. This includes not only obscene words, but also insinuations, mockery, or statements insulting to others.

In the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, the Buddha established rules to prevent this behavior. Indecent speech is regarded as a violation of a bhikkhu's moral conduct, because it is contrary to the five precepts (Pañcasīla) and the vows of training. Specifically, indecent speech violates the elements of "abstaining from false speech" and "abstaining from causing harm" in pure verbal conduct.

The Buddha taught that the speech of practitioners should always be gentle, truthful, and beneficial to those who hear it. Speech should not contain evil intentions, anger, or impulses arising from greed.