Bi Pc 149149. Not accepting legitimate correction
Pāli / Sanskrit:Sahadhammika
A nun who uses a ploy as an excuse for not keeping the monastic code must confess the offense.
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Sahadhammika Sutta — Not Accepting Legitimate Correction
Background
The Sahadhammika Sutta (Pāli: Sahadhammika) belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, specifically the Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha (the code of discipline for nuns). It is one of the detailed training rules, reflecting the Buddha's careful attention to the healthy development of the community of monks and nuns.
This text was recorded to address a practical matter within the Saṅgha — when a nun transgresses a training rule, those who share the same practice have the right and the responsibility to correct her. However, if the one who has transgressed refuses to accept this legitimate correction, speaking in denial or employing various arguments to deflect it, that itself constitutes an additional offense.
Main Content
This rule centers on the concept of "sahadhammikaṁ" — correction in accordance with the Dhamma, that is, rightful admonishment from fellow monastics who have the authority to do so. When a nun is shown that she has violated a precept (Vinaya: a training rule), she should understand that this is an opportunity for cultivation, a chance to cleanse the mind.
However, a nun may choose to refuse through "stratagems" or reasons considered to be without foundation. For example, she might seek to reject the correction by claiming she did not properly understand, or by asserting that the correction is unjust. The text states clearly: the very act of refusing such legitimate correction is itself an offense for which she must confess.
Whenever a nun displays an attitude of unwillingness to listen, deliberately makes light of the matter, denies it, or invents any unjustified reason to avoid accepting the Dhamma correction, she must undertake expiation (pabbajjanīya-kamma) or other forms of making amends.
Practical Significance
The Sahadhammika Sutta teaches us that humility and an open mind are the foundation of Buddhist practice.
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