San Mu Bu Pm GBM 3 Pc 78Disrespect

The Anādariya Sutta: On the Mind of Disrespect

Background

The Anādariya sutta, on the mind of disrespect, is recorded in the Vinaya Pitaka, specifically in the Pātimokkha — the collection of basic disciplinary principles that bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs must observe. This sutta appears in the context of building the discipline of the Sangha, where the Buddha teaches about psychological attitudes unsuitable for the sacred path of practice.

In the Theravada tradition, the Vinaya Pitaka is not only a set of absolute prohibitions but also a key component of the Dharma-door of practice. Anādariya — from “ānā” (not) and “dariya” (respect) — highlights a deep mental issue: lack of respect, lack of carefulness, and lack of reverence toward the Dharma, the Teacher, and those who teach.

Main Content

This sutta judges disrespect (anādariya) to be a negative mental state that can cause a practitioner to fall into errors in practice. This is not direct arrogance or rebellion, but a subtle lack of respect — not valuing the teachings, not valuing the opportunity to learn the Dharma, or not respecting those who support one’s practice.

In the context of the Sangha, disrespect often appears through not listening to teachings, neglecting communal rules, or treating with disrespect those who are competent in the Dharma. The Buddha emphasizes that happiness and progress on the path to awakening begin with sincere respect — what is called “ādariya,” the mind of reverence. Disrespect is precisely an invisible hindrance that can obstruct a practitioner from receiving the Dharma.

This sutta is classified among violations of a psychological nature rather than named physical acts. It reminds us that unsuitable mental postures may be rooted in deep attitudes such as disrespect or contempt.

Practical Meaning

For those practicing according to the Theravada tradition, this sutta opens understanding of one of the important inner obstructions (āvaraṇa).