San Mg Bu Pm Pc 77Disrespect

The Anādariya Rule - The Rule on Disrespect

Background

The Anādariya rule appears in the Vinaya Pitaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, specifically in the Pātimokkha, the ethical code for the monastic community. The content of this rule is directly related to observing prohibitions in communal practice and to building a harmonious community.

The term “anādariya” (ā-nādariya) means “disrespect,” “contempt,” or “lack of regard.” This is a key concept in the Vinaya Pitaka, because respect (ādariya) is regarded as the foundation of ethical conduct and communal life. When a monastic or devotee lacks respect: toward the Three Jewels, toward a teacher, toward the discipline, or toward those worthy of respect, this causes disorder in the community and weakens faith.

Main Content

The Anādariya rule teaches that disrespect is an unwholesome action. Specifically, it occurs when a person has an attitude of contempt or lack of concern toward what is considered worthy of respect in Buddhism. This includes looking down upon the Buddha and his teachings, looking down upon the Dharma, looking down upon the Sangha, or looking down upon venerable teachers and persons of high virtue.

In the context of the Vinaya Pitaka, the rule makes clear that this disrespect is not merely a matter of private psychology, but also a concrete behavior that can be observed. For example, if a monastic does not respectfully greet a venerable teacher, or if that person does not listen to the Dharma sincerely, these actions all express anādariya.

The rule emphasizes that disrespect is a cause of decline in the monastic community. When members begin to look down upon the Vinaya, to disregard those who have gone before, and to despise the Dharma teaching, violations increase and the assembly grows weak.