Bu Pc 22. Abusive speech
Pāli / Sanskrit:Omasavāda
A monk who verbally abuses another monk must confess the offense. The origin story to this rule includes the Nandivisāla Jātaka tale, found in a slightly different form in the Jātaka collection.
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Vinaya Piṭaka Commentary — Pātimokkha Offense 2: Omasavāda
Background
The rule of Omasavāda (criticism, offensive speech) is recorded in the Pātimokkha of the Bhikkhus, the code of four hundred and twenty-three rules that every Bhikkhu must observe. This text originates from a story in the Jātaka collection — a compilation of the Buddha's past lives.
According to the teaching drawn from the scripture, there is a cause and condition involving a certain Bhikkhu who misused speech to scold, criticize, or attack another Bhikkhu in a harsh and aggressive manner. This conduct not only violated the harmonious character of the Sangha, but also ran contrary to the spirit of compassion and loving-kindness that the Buddha-Dharma always encourages. Accordingly, the Buddha established this rule in order to protect the well-being of the monastic community and to uphold noble ethical standards.
Main Content
The rule of Omasavāda stipulates that: if a Bhikkhu intentionally utters offensive, critical, or abusive speech toward another Bhikkhu, that Bhikkhu must confess — that is, must acknowledge his own transgression. This is not regarded as a minor fault that can simply be concealed. The offender must confess directly to the other Bhikkhus, expressing remorse and making a commitment to reform his conduct.
The Nandivisāla Jātaka story is cited as historical evidence for this rule. In a past life, the Buddha was an intelligent animal in the forest, and through this story we see that harsh words not only wound the spirit but also shatter harmonious relationships. The act of abusive speech is regarded as an intentional action (cetanā) that is harmful, as it arises from a mind accompanied by such factors as anger, hatred, or conceit.
Practical Significance
In the context of Theravāda practice, the rule of Omasavāda is not merely about avoiding harsh language.
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