Xct Mu Bi Pm Ss 20Corrupters of Families

The Discourse on Corrupters of Families (Kuladūsaka)

Background

The Kuladūsaka Sutta is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, specifically in the Suttavibhaṅga of the Bhikkhu Pātimokkha. This is one of the regulations concerning the ethics and conduct of renunciants, issued by the Buddha to protect the purity of the Sangha and maintain the learned devotion of the lay Buddhist community.

This discourse developed from specific events in early Buddhist history, when some bhikkhus acted dishonestly, harming the reputation of the monastic community and causing families whose children intended to practice to become disturbed or disappointed. The Buddha saw this and set forth clear standards to prevent mistaken conduct.

Main Content

The Kuladūsaka Sutta (Kuladūsaka = one who corrupts a family) points out conduct that a bhikkhu should not perform because it harms the welfare and good name of families. Specifically, the discourse identifies that bhikkhus should avoid ways of acting that cause householders to lose trust, especially those who intend to allow their children to go forth or to support the Sangha.

"Corrupters of families" are bhikkhus who are greedy for gain, deceitful in communication, use seductive speech to obtain property, or behave without compassion toward families who trust and support them. Such conduct not only violates personal ethics but also disturbs the faith of the entire stream of the Buddha-Dharma in the community.

The discourse emphasizes that such bhikkhus, though wearing the kāṣāya robe, have in reality betrayed the original vows they made when going forth. They use the Buddhist community as a tool for personal gain, instead of using it as a means of practice for liberation.