Grammatical Analysis
Makkha: [m.] contempt; denigration; belittling; smearing. Derived from root makkh (to smear, to rub out). Signifies the psychological erasing or covering up of others’ goodness.
Orthodox Definition
Makkha is a deeply corrosive minor defilement (upakkilesa) rooted in aversion. It manifests as the deliberate minimization, denial, or smearing of the virtues, assistance, and good deeds done by others.
The commentaries explain that a person afflicted by makkha lacks basic gratitude (kataññutā). If a teacher or friend provides them with immense help, the denigrator will erase that help from their mind or publicly downplay it, claiming, “They didn’t really do that much for me.” It acts like dirt smeared across a clean mirror, intentionally obscuring the reflection of another’s virtue.
Because the Theravāda path relies heavily on honoring one’s teachers, parents, and noble friends (kalyāṇamitta), makkha severs the practitioner’s connection to the sources of spiritual guidance.
Textual References
- Sutta: Vatthūpama Sutta (MN 7) – Listed as a core impurity of the mind.
- Canonical: Suttanipāta (Vasala Sutta - Sn 1.7) – The Buddha declares that anyone who is angry, harbors hatred, and is a denigrator (makkhī) is to be known as an outcast (vasala).
- Commentary: Papañcasūdanī – Detailing the psychological operation of erasing others’ good qualities.