Xct Mu Bi Pc 43Making Stains

The Dubbaṇṇakaraṇa Discourse (Making Stains)

Background

Dubbaṇṇakaraṇa appears in the Vinaya Piṭaka, in the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga, as one of the prohibitions related to virtue and respect within the Sangha. This discourse records specific situations in which bhikkhunīs acted in ways that damaged the reputation and credibility of others, especially within the monastic community.

The historical background shows that the Buddha established principles of dignified conduct to protect the purity and unity of the Sangha. Diminishing another’s reputation not only disturbs the community, but also undermines the faith of those who trust and support the Sangha.

Main Content

In this discourse, acts of “making stains” or diminishing reputation (dubbaṇṇa) are identified as words, actions, or attitudes intended to lessen the moral standing or purity of another person in the community of practice. This includes cases such as speaking ill, publicly ridiculing, or spreading information that may harm the reputation of a monastic.

The rule states clearly that this is considered a significant offense (pācittiya or mūla-pācittiya, depending on degree and intention). In particular, when the act is carried out with the intention of causing harm or dividing the Sangha, the nature of the violation becomes more serious.

The discourse also distinguishes between speaking truth for the benefit of another and of the community, and speaking words that may be true but are spoken with ill intent. This distinction is central to Buddhist ethics: an action is evaluated not only by the truth of the words, but also by intention (cetanā) and consequence.

Practical Meaning

Dubbaṇṇakaraṇa teaches us the importance of upright speech and responsible action. In the Vinaya Piṭaka, these are not faults listed merely for punishment, but for instruction in ethics and mutual respect.