San Mg Bu Pm Ss 12Difficult to Correct

Explanation of the Dubbaca Discourse (Difficult to Correct)

Background

The Dubbaca discourse belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of Theravāda Buddhism, in the Saṅghādisesa section, offenses requiring public repentance before the Sangha. The background of the discourse concerns internal discipline within the Sangha, specifically how to handle bhikkhus (monks) who have an attitude difficult to correct, who refuse to listen to admonition or follow the regulations of the Sangha organization.

In the Pāli Canon, “dubbaca” (ඌ + baca) is translated as “difficult to correct” or “difficult to tame,” referring to individuals who are stubborn, excessively self-willed, and unwilling to be corrected when instructed. This is not a specific breach of discipline, but a psychological and behavioral condition reflecting noncompliance with the Sangha Vinaya.

This discourse was recorded in order to establish criteria for identifying individuals with an attitude difficult to train, while also specifying how the Sangha should handle such cases in a spirit of compassion and wisdom.

Main Content

According to the Theravāda Vinaya tradition, a bhikkhu is considered “dubbaca” when he shows the following characteristics: unwillingness to listen to instruction from learned or senior bhikkhus; refusal to correct wrongful conduct; contempt for the rules of the Sangha Vinaya; and obstinate defense of his own violations.

The discourse states clearly that judging someone to be “difficult to correct” must be based on clear evidence, not on suspicions or insufficiently grounded reports. The Sangha must not hastily condemn anyone, but must first carry out steps of reminder and counsel.

When it is determined that a bhikkhu truly has a dubbaca attitude, the Sangha carries out disciplinary measures in sequence: first, kindly admonition; then formal meetings to discuss the matter; and, if necessary, application of penalties such as “taggianumodana” (limited acknowledgment) or “parivāsa” (time-bound repentance).