Xct Mu Bi Pm Pc 59Eavesdropping
Pāli / Sanskrit:Upassuti
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The Upassuti Discourse (The Offense of Eavesdropping)
Context
The Upassuti discourse is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, belonging to the Pātimokkha collection. These are regulations concerning the conduct of bhikkhus, laid down by the Buddha Gotama in order to protect the Sangha and maintain discipline in the community of practice.
This discourse concerns improper conduct: secretly listening to conversations, Dharma classes, or discussions that the speakers do not want one to know. This is a form of violating privacy and lacking respect, and is therefore regarded as a disciplinary offense in the Sangha.
Main Content
According to the Theravāda Pāli tradition, eavesdropping (upassuti) is defined as when a bhikkhu intends to listen secretly to words that others do not wish him to know, or deliberately places himself in a situation in order to overhear private conversations.
This action includes secretly approaching the place where people are speaking; concealing oneself so that others do not discover one; and trying to hear what is being said in a hidden way. This violates the principle of sīla, the discipline, concerning honesty and respect for others.
The discourse points out that eavesdropping arises from seeking (pariyesana), greed for information, gossip, or curiosity that is not for the sake of learning the Dharma but for searching out the secrets of others. This conduct brings harm to both the one who does it and the one overheard, because it breaks trust and creates hostility in the community.
The Buddha laid down the rule: bhikkhus who violate this are recognized as having committed an ethical fault, needing confession and correction of conduct. Third among the list of improper actions is secrecy, lack of straightforwardness, and lack of openness.
Practical Meaning
The Upassuti discourse teaches us the importance of truthfulness (sacca) and respect for the privacy of others. In Buddhist practice, developing loving-kindness (mettā) and mutual respect is the foundation of a harmonious community (Sangha).
The act of eavesdropping is contrary to the five basic precepts, especially the precept against false speech and the precept of respecting the mental life of others.
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