Xct Mu Bu Pm Pc 78Disrespect

The Sutta on Disrespect (Anādariya)

Background

The Anādariya Sutta appears in the Vinaya Piṭaka, the collection of scriptures regulating monastic discipline in the Theravāda Buddha-Dharma tradition. Specifically, it is a rule in the Pātimokkha, the independent code that bhikkhus must observe. The appearance of this rule reflects the Buddha’s concern about disciplinary problems in the monastic community, especially disrespectful conduct toward the teaching, the teachers, and the practicing community.

In the historical context, as the monastic community expanded, disrespectful behaviors, from modes of conduct to attitudes in study, gradually became problems requiring strict management. The Buddha issued specific rules to maintain mutual respect and preserve the spirit of practice in the Sangha.

Main Content

Anādariya, disrespect, is defined in the Vinaya as an action or attitude expressing lack of respect. This may include improper conduct toward elders, teachers, or those who have made great contributions to the teaching; failure to follow the guidance or instructions of senior elders; showing resistance or contempt toward the teaching; or behavior that weakens others’ faith in the practicing community.

This rule concerns not only outward actions, but especially the mental state of the practitioner. Disrespect arises from conceit (māna), sloth (thīna), or lack of confidence in the value of the Dharma and the teaching. Specific behaviors such as speaking harshly to elders, not rising to greet them, not listening to advice, or inwardly displaying resistance are all considered disrespect.

The Buddha emphasized that in a practicing community, mutual respect is the foundation for the long endurance of the Dharma. Those who lack a respectful mind (anādariya citta) will have difficulty progressing on the path of practice, because respect is the necessary condition for opening the mind to receive the teaching.