San Mg Bu Pm Pc 12Evasive Speech

Exposition of the Aññavādaka Sutta (Evasive Speech)

Background

The Aññavādaka Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pātimokkha section of the Saṅghādisesa rules, the twelfth rule. This is a highly juridical sutta, situated within the system of regulations governing the monastic community of Theravāda Buddhism. Its content was recorded to educate bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs in maintaining integrity and transparency in communication.

The term “Aññavādaka” means “evasive speech” or “speaking otherwise” (aññā = other, vādaka = speaking, declaring). This sutta was established to prevent acts of deceit, evasion of responsibility, or saying untruthful things in order to avoid criticism or punishment.

Main Content

The Aññavādaka Sutta states that a bhikkhu must not speak evasively and must not deny what he has done when there are clear witnesses or evidence. Specifically, if a bhikkhu violates a Pārājika, an offense of defeat that results in the loss of monastic status, or violates other offenses clearly proven by other bhikkhus, he must not deny it or speak words of repudiation with the intention of evading reality.

This conduct of “evasive speech” is considered a Saṅghādisesa, an offense requiring repentance before the entire Sangha. This differs from the gravest offenses (Pārājika), because it still allows the possibility of reconciliation if the offender sincerely recognizes his fault.

The sutta emphasizes that honesty in speech is the foundation of the Sangha. If bhikkhus begin to speak untruthfully in order to conceal their actions, trust within the Sangha will decline, and practice will no longer be able to proceed.

Practical Meaning

The Aññavādaka Sutta teaches that honesty and the acceptance of responsibility are core virtues of a true monastic.