San Mg Bu Pm Ss 13Corrupters of Families

The Sutta on Corrupters of Families (Kuladūsaka)

Background

Kuladūsaka is a part of the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, belonging to the code of training rules for the Buddhist Sangha. This text records ethical regulations concerning conduct that can harm families, especially in the context of interactions between bhikkhus and lay devotees.

The Vinaya Piṭaka was compiled after the Buddha entered nirvana, based on teachings and precedents verified by the Sangha. Its primary purpose is to establish rules of conduct to maintain discipline, protect the reputation of the Sangha, and ensure the trust of the community of lay people toward the monks. The section “Corrupters of Families” is found in the Sutta Vibhaṅga or a related part of the Vinaya, where specific behaviors that bhikkhus must avoid are detailed.

Main Content

This sutta identifies forms of behavior that monks should not engage in because they have the potential to damage the harmony and security of families. In particular, it warns against unhealthy interactions between bhikkhus and family members, especially women, which may lead to conflict between husband and wife, suspicion within the family, or unprincipled conduct.

The related rules usually include warnings about:

Frivolous or improper actions in communicating with members of a family, which may cause loss of trust among family members. Involvement in family matters with unwholesome intention, or creating division between husband and wife. Conduct that may harm the honor and respect of the family within the community.

Such conduct not only violates Buddhist ethics but also harms the propagation of the Dharma. When the Sangha is regarded as engaging in actions that corrupt families, people’s faith in the Buddha-Dharma declines, obstructing the growth of the teaching.