Mpt Pc 66Scaring

The Bhiṁsāpana Discourse (Rule 66) - Exposition

Background

The Bhiṁsāpana discourse is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pātimokkha (Pāli: Pāṭimokkha), the basic code that all monastics must observe. It is not a discourse preaching philosophy, but a rule related to serious misconduct by bhikkhus. Bhiṁsāpana is a Pāli word meaning "causing fear" or "threatening," an act the Buddha forbade because it is contrary to the compassionate spirit of the noble teaching.

In the context of the Theravāda Vinaya, rules were established not arbitrarily, but arose from specific events when monastics behaved improperly. The Buddha, with boundless wisdom, saw these faults and established rules to help the Sangha maintain purity, harmony, and clarity of mind.

Main Content

The Bhiṁsāpana rule (number 66) belongs to the Pācittiya class, a type of violation requiring confession in the presence of another bhikkhu. This rule states that a bhikkhu must not intentionally frighten or threaten another person. This action may include various methods: using aggressive speech, threatening gestures, or actions intended to cause fear.

The reason the Buddha forbade this conduct is that it directly betrays the basic Five Precepts (Pañcasīla), especially the precept of "not killing" (ahiṁsā) in a broad sense. Threatening or frightening another person is an act of psychological violence, creating suffering and not in accord with the Noble Eightfold Path. In addition, this conduct breaks the Saṁgha (僧伽), the harmony of the Sangha, because it destroys trust and safety among members.

This rule was established in the spirit of protecting the soul and body of each individual in the Saṁgha, as well as protecting those outside the Sangha from harm.