Bu Pc 1212. Speaking evasively

Aññavādaka (Speaking Evasively) — Training Rule 12

Background

Training Rule 12 belongs to the Pātimokkha Bhikkhuvibhaṅga, the section of individual rules for bhikkhus in the Theravāda Vinaya tradition. This rule arose from specific situations within the early monastic community, in which certain monks who were accused of wrongdoing would deliberately evade or speak unclearly when questioned by the Saṅgha — the entire community of monastics — in the course of a formal inquiry. This was a serious matter, as it touches upon the clarity, honesty, and discipline of the Monastic Order, which are the foundational elements for the long-term preservation of the Dharma.

This rule was not arbitrarily established by the Buddha, but is a regulation designed to protect the moral health of the monastic community. When a bhikkhu is questioned about a specific event or action, to speak evasively or to remain silent is to conceal the truth, thereby undermining trust and transparency within the Saṅgha.

Main Content

The Aññavādaka rule states clearly: when the Saṅgha conducts a formal invitation for admonition (pavāraṇā) or handles a disciplinary matter (adhikaraṇa), if a monk is asked a specific question concerning an event about which he has direct or indirect knowledge, and he speaks evasively (aññavādaka), conceals the truth, or claims not to remember or not to know when he in fact does know, then this constitutes a blameworthy offense.

Of particular importance is the term "aññavādaka" — speaking otherwise or speaking evasively. This does not refer solely to outright lying, but also encompasses evasive expressions, unclear speech, or the deliberate obscuring of one's answer in order to avoid accountability. Such conduct is regarded as a Pācittiya (also known as Paccayabheda), that is, an offense requiring acknowledgment and confession.

The questions posed by the Saṅgha must be legitimate questions, pertaining to events that the person being questioned is genuinely capable of knowing.