BUDDHIST MONASTIC CODE I

Buddhist Monastic Code 1Object. Only if the bhikkhu cites a rule formulated in the Vinaya is this factorgrounds for a pācittiya. If he criticizes one's actions, citing standards of behaviorfor the sake of being "self-effacing, scrupulous, or inspiring; for lessening(defilement) or arousing energy" that are not formulated in the Vinaya, this factorbecomes grounds for a dukkaṭa. The Commentary limits "not formulated" toteachings in the suttas and Abhidhamma, but there is nothing in the Vibhaṅga tosuggest that this is so. Its normal way of referring specifically to the suttas andmātikās (the basis for the Abhidhamma) is to say, "another Dhamma," and so itschoice of words here seems intended to include any principle, whether expressed inthe other parts of the Canon or not, that aims at the goal of being self-effacing, etc.Thus any teaching devoted to such goals would be grounds for a dukkaṭa.If the person admonishing one is not a bhikkhu, then regardless of whether he/shecites a rule in the Vinaya or standards for being self-effacing, etc., outside of theVinaya, then the penalty for showing disrespect to that person is a dukkaṭa.Perception as to whether the person doing the admonishing is ordained is irrelevantto the offense (see Pc 42).The validity of the admonition is not an issue here. Even if the other person is reallyan ignorant fool, has misinterpreted the rule, or has peculiar ideas on being selfeffacing,etc., one should be careful not to show disrespect in word or deed.If one is being criticized against standards that have nothing to do with being selfeffacing,etc., it would not be grounds for an offense. However, a wise policy wouldbe to avoid showing disrespect for another person, regardless of the situation.Effort. There are two possible targets for one's disrespect — the person and the rule— and two ways of showing it: by word or by gesture.Disrespect for the person includes —saying things that show disrespect in either a crude or subtle way, e.g.,"Who are you to tell me?" "It's presumptuous of you to pass judgment whenyou aren't in my position," "Your critical attitude shows that you have somemessy emotional problems that you would be well-advised to look into,""Get lost!" or "Go to hell!"or making a rude gesture or even a slight facial expression to show one'scontempt.Disrespect for the rule includes —saying, "That's a stupid rule," "That rule doesn't apply to me";stubbornly repeating the action for which one was admonished (this point iscovered in Mv.IV.17.7-9);or making a rude gesture, saying, "This is what I think of that rule."362