Xct Mu Bu Pm Pj 4Laying False Claim to Superhuman Attainments
Pāli / Sanskrit:Uttarimanussadhamma
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Explanation of the Uttarimanussadhamma Sutta
On Claiming Superhuman Attainments
Background
The Uttarimanussadhamma Sutta (Pāli: uttari-manussadhamma, meaning “attainments beyond ordinary human nature”) is recorded in the Vinaya Pitaka of the Pāli Canon, specifically in a Vinaya section. It is one of the most essential disciplinary regulations of the Buddhist Sangha.
This discourse arose from a clear historical context. In the early period after the Buddha’s nirvana, the Sangha developed rapidly. However, along with that growth came the appearance of monks who did not truly practice, but merely sought gain and fame. Some claimed to possess extraordinary attainments, such as having attained the absorptions (jhāna), seeing heavenly beings (deva), or being able to converse with ancient sages. This caused great loss of trust among the people and affected the reputation of the Dharma.
Main Content
Uttarimanussadhamma establishes one of the Pārājika offenses, grave offenses entailing the loss of monastic status, for monastics who intentionally claim superhuman abilities that they do not actually possess. This includes saying, “I have the jhānas,” “I know supernatural matters,” or “I possess psychic powers,” when in fact they do not.
This rule is very strict. It applies not only to direct statements, but also to actions, gestures, or indirect language intended to create the impression that the monastic has attainments beyond ordinary human nature. Even if a monastic lies about such abilities only once, and it is confirmed by others that the statement created misunderstanding or that someone believed it, the offense is established.
The reason for this rule is clear: the Buddha’s Dharma must maintain trustworthiness and integrity. If monastics claim abilities they do not possess, they distort the nature of Buddhist practice, thereby deceiving devotees and harming the Sangha.
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