Xct Mu Bu Vb Pc 66Scaring
Pāli / Sanskrit:Bhiṁsāpana
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The Bhiṁsāpana Discourse (Discourse on Intimidation)
Background
The Bhiṁsāpana discourse is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, especially in the Pātimokkha, the basic code that bhikkhus must uphold. In the Theravāda tradition, the Vinaya Piṭaka is the foundation of the Sangha, expressing the importance of ethical discipline within the tradition. This discourse concerns a Pācittiya category, a minor offense requiring confession, related to acts of intimidation.
The context in which this rule arose was the practice of the Buddha and his disciples, when Buddhists needed to establish rules of conduct to protect the purity of the Sangha and to show respect toward those who followed other paths or those who were still becoming accustomed to the Dharma.
Main Content
The Bhiṁsāpana discourse regulates acts of frightening or threatening others. Specifically, if a bhikkhu intends to make another person afraid or panicked by intimidation — whether through speech, gesture, or action — that is a Pācittiya offense, meaning an offense requiring confession before the Sangha.
The distinctive point is that this rule applies not only to other bhikkhus but to everyone — laypeople, those of other paths, or anyone at all. The reason is that a bhikkhu who has gone forth must have conduct that reflects purity, compassion, and respect. Intimidation violates these principles, creates suffering, and damages relationships.
The specific content of this discourse has not been fully translated in this document; however, according to the general context of Pācittiya, the rule clearly states the degree of wrongdoing: if the act of intimidation has the intention of causing harm or fear, it is a violation requiring public confession.
Practical Meaning
The Bhiṁsāpana discourse is not merely an administrative rule within the Sangha, but a profound expression of Buddhism. Intimidation arises from greed, hatred, and delusion — the three poisons (tisā akusala) in Buddhist thought. By establishing this rule, the Buddha guided bhikkhus to cultivate patience (khanti pāramitā) and loving-kindness (mettā).
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