Mpt Ss 12Corrupters of Families

The Kuladūsaka Sutta - Those Who Corrupt Families

Background

Kuladūsaka (Those Who Corrupt Families) is a part of the Vinaya Piṭaka of Theravāda Buddhism, specifically belonging to the Suttavibhaṅga, the section explaining in detail the precepts for monks and nuns. This sutta is recorded in the khandhakas of the Vinaya Pitaka, where rules, regulations, and illustrative stories about the life of practice are preserved.

In the context of Theravāda Buddhism, the concept of “family” (kula) does not merely mean a blood family, but also includes community, collective body, and especially the Sangha itself. This sutta concerns actions, words, and conduct of a destructive nature, causing harm to unity and trust in the community of practice as well as in lay families.

Main Content

The Kuladūsaka Sutta focuses on actions considered “corrupting families,” violations or ways of living contrary to the Teaching that not only harm the individual but also weaken the collective process of practice. In the context of the Vinaya Pitaka, those who “corrupt families” are persons who violate moral conduct, or those who perform actions that cause conflict, division, and loss of trust in the Sangha.

According to the Theravāda tradition, the faults listed include lying, fabricating stories, speaking divisive words (pisuṇa vacī), insulting, stealing, sexual misconduct, drinking alcohol, and actions contrary to Buddhist discipline. In particular, the sutta emphasizes that these actions not only harm oneself, but also negatively affect those around one, destroying faith and harmony.

The sutta also indicates that practitioners who violate these rules will be excluded from the Sangha community (parivāsa, ussaggiya) until they confess, reform their conduct, and are recognized again by the community. This is a method of education and reminder, not a permanent punishment.