San Sarv Bu Pm Tf 11 Pc 66Scaring
Pāli / Sanskrit:Bhiṁsāpana
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The Bhiṁsāpana Discourse: On the Offense of Frightening
Context
The Bhiṁsāpana discourse (Pāli: Bhiṁsāpana-Sikkhāpada) belongs to the traditional early Buddhist Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically within the Pātimokkha, the fundamental code for bhikkhus. In the detailed Vinaya system, this discourse is classified as Pācittiya, an offense requiring confession and correction.
According to the Pāli Canon tradition, the ethical rules established by the Blessed Buddha were not created for formality or mechanical regulation, but because they nourish spiritual life, protect the monastic community (Sangha), and express respect for the discipline. The Bhiṁsāpana discourse addresses an act that may seem small but has ethical consequence: frightening another.
Main Content
The offense of Bhiṁsāpana, frightening another, belongs to the group of violations concerning conduct in the daily life of bhikkhus. According to the rule, if a bhikkhu intentionally causes another person, whether a bhikkhunī or a layperson, to feel fear by pointing with the hand, shaking an object, or by any other action intended to produce fear, he has violated this rule.
The violation is recognized only when three factors are present: first, the action is intentional; second, it affects the other person; third, it is confirmed that the action actually caused fear. This is not a grave offense, such as Pārājika or Saṅghādisesa, but it requires confession before the community and a commitment not to repeat it.
The discourse clearly states that a true monastic should not use any means to cause terror, for this is contrary to the spirit of Mettā, loving-kindness, and Karuṇā, compassion. Such actions reveal a state of mind still governed by greed, hatred, and delusion, the very things a monastic strives to abandon.
Practical Meaning
The Bhiṁsāpana rule teaches that practice is not only control of the mind, but also control of every bodily action.
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