Bu Ss 88. Making a groundless accusation out of anger
Pāli / Sanskrit:Duṭṭhadosa
A monk who in anger falsely accuses another monk of an offense entailing expulsion is to be suspended. The background narrative to this rule features the extraordinary monk Dabba the Mallian who became an <i lang='pi' translate='no'>arahant</i> at the age of seven.
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Duṭṭhadosa Rule: Groundless Accusation Made in Anger
Background
This rule is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Bhikkhunī Samantapāsādikā. The origin of the rule concerns the bhikkhu Dabba the Mallian, an extraordinary arahant who had attained the fruit of arahantship at the age of seven. Dabba was renowned throughout the Sangha for his unique abilities: he could clearly discern the meditative striving and attainments of other bhikkhus, and he arranged the duties and training activities within the Sangha with complete fairness and transparency. It was precisely because of these virtuous qualities that Dabba was held in high esteem by the entire Sangha.
However, another bhikkhu, having been refused a request by Dabba in the matter of assigning duties, or feeling that he had been treated unjustly, became enraged and publicly accused Dabba of committing an offense entailing expulsion (pārājika). The accusation was entirely groundless, being nothing more than the product of anger and personal resentment. This action caused confusion and a loss of trust within the Sangha. The Blessed One, perceiving the situation, established this rule in order to protect virtuous bhikkhus from false accusations brought about by anger.
Main Content
The Duṭṭhadosa rule stipulates that: if a bhikkhu, acting out of anger (duṭṭho—malice, anger), publicly accuses (ropeti—to plant, to accuse) another bhikkhu of having committed an offense entailing expulsion, yet is subsequently unable to prove that the accusation is true, the accusing bhikkhu shall be subject to the penalty of suspension (pabbājanīya—suspension).
The penalty of suspension means that the bhikkhu is separated from the Sangha and is not permitted to sit, eat, or participate in training activities together with other bhikkhus, until such time as he acknowledges his wrongdoing, sincerely apologizes, and undertakes not to repeat the offense. What is significant is that this rule requires clear evidence to be present.
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