Xct Mu Bi Pj 4Laying False Claim to Superhuman Attainments
Pāli / Sanskrit:Uttarimanussadhamma
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Explanation of the Uttarimanussadhamma Sutra (False Human Speech Beyond the Worldly)
Background
The Uttarimanussadhamma Sutra (Pāli: uttari = beyond; manussadhamma = human state) lies in the Vinaya Piṭaka, the Vinaya collection of the Pāli Canon. This is not a sutra teaching transcendent theory, but an important prohibitory rule in the disciplinary code of the Theravāda Buddhist Sangha.
The circumstance for establishing this rule arose from monastics in the Buddha's time who claimed to possess superhuman attainments (abhiññā), such as supersensory powers, psychic abilities, knowledge of others' minds, or especially claiming to have attained high paths and fruits (phala) that in fact they had not reached. This counterfeit conduct seriously damaged the faith of Buddhists and disturbed the order of practice in the community.
Therefore, the Buddha established this rule to protect the purity of the Sangha and prevent conduct motivated by the desire for fame and by falsehood, actions contrary to the spirit of truthfulness (sacca) and moral shame (hiri) that Buddhism always upholds.
Main Content
The Uttarimanussadhamma rule prohibits any bhikkhu or bhikkhunī from declaring, or allowing others to understand, that they have attained superhuman states such as psychic powers (iddhisiddhi), knowledge of others' minds (cetopariyañāṇa), or meditative attainments and absorptions (jhānasamāpatti). Even merely claiming to have special advantages or high spiritual experiences that have not been verified is considered a violation.
Violation of this rule is classified as Pārājika, defeat, or at least Saṅghādisesa, an offense affecting the Sangha, depending on the degree of assault and the harm caused. The offender must undergo a process of public confession or be expelled from the Sangha if unwilling to acknowledge the fault.
The basic principle of this rule is: only what is verified by fact, by witnesses, and by actual effects leading to Awakening may be declared. It is not permitted to use illusory claims to raise one's fame or obtain trust from others.
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