Bu Pc 7676. Making a groundless accusation

The Amūlaka Sutta: A Groundless Accusation

Background

This rule is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka — the Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha, specifically Pācittiya Rule 76, part of the code of discipline for bhikkhus. In the Theravāda tradition, the Pātimokkha is the collection of precepts established specifically for each monastic community, composed by the Blessed One to guide disciples in their practice of the Dharma.

The origin of this rule arises from situations in which bhikkhunīs, out of jealousy, hatred, or resentment, accused a fellow monastic sister of having committed an offense (Saṁghādisesa — an offense requiring suspension from the Saṅgha). These accusations were entirely without foundation, lacking genuine evidence or witnesses, and were intended to destroy the honor or standing of the accused within the religious community.

Main Content

The Amūlaka rule stipulates that if a bhikkhunī accuses another monastic sister of having committed a Saṁghādisesa offense (an offense leading to suspension), yet the accusation is entirely without foundation (amūlaka), lacks genuine evidence, and is subsequently proven to be false, then the accuser must confess her transgression.

This offense is classified as a Pācittiya — one of the lighter categories of offense, yet still requiring confession before the community or before one or more bhikkhunīs. The crucial point here is not simply whether the accusation is incorrect, but rather the nature of the act itself: if the accusation is proven to be groundless, the accuser must bear the consequences.

The fundamental principle of this rule is to protect the integrity of the monastic community and to prevent the abuse of power for the purpose of harming others. It also reflects the principle of speaking truthfully (sacca) — one of the foundations of Buddhist ethics.

Practical Significance

In the context of contemporary practice, this rule teaches us about the importance of responsible speech and sincere honesty.