Ka Bu Pm Sk 22Squatting
Pāli / Sanskrit:Ukkuṭika
Save your scripture progress
Create a free account to save scriptures, track progress, and continue your daily learning path.
Ukkuṭika Sutta (The Discourse on Squatting)
Background
The Ukkuṭika Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda tradition, specifically to the Khandhaka section, the regulations concerning the actions and deportment of bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs. The Vinaya Piṭaka is not a collection of abstract doctrines, but of concrete and detailed rules of conduct, reflecting the Buddha’s dedication to disciplined and pure practice.
This discourse was recorded while the Buddha was still alive, at a time when the bhikkhu Sangha displayed conduct inappropriate in bodily posture during practice. This account is a typical example of the way the Buddha-Dharma attends to even the smallest details of daily life, because such details reflect the mind and intention of the practitioner.
Main Content
The Ukkuṭika Sutta lays down a rule concerning the squatting posture (ukkuṭika, that is, standing on the two heels with the buttocks resting on the feet) of bhikkhus. According to the Vinaya rule, this posture is not to be used in formal activities of the Sangha, especially in situations requiring dignity, such as ceremonies, Dharma study, or contact with people of social standing.
The basic reason is that the squatting posture is considered coarse, discourteous, and not reflective of reverence for the Dharma. It is also unsuitable to the image of one who has gone forth to pursue liberation. When sitting, a bhikkhu should use an even sitting posture, with the legs forming a right angle, or sit in the lotus posture (b盤腿), postures that express concentration, respect, and composure.
This rule is also connected with the principles of Dhammacārī (acting according to the Dharma) and Vinayacārī (acting according to the Vinaya), two basic factors for maintaining the purity of the Sangha. Every movement and every posture of a bhikkhu is a silent teaching on discipline, deportment, and the effort directed toward nirvana.
Practical Meaning
Although the Ukkuṭika rule may appear minor, it bears a profound meaning concerning complete and integrated practice.
🌏 The Buddhist canon is vast — some sūtras (such as comparative Vinaya across schools, or untranslated Tibetan-canon texts) have to this day NEVER been translated into Vietnamese or English by anyone, scholars included. Rather than leave it blank, Inti AI offers a FAITHFUL summary grounded in the tradition — from the sūtra's title, origin and essence — so you can still reach this rare part of the treasury. Whenever an original translation exists, the app shows the original first.
Translations belong to the translator/source credited above. The bilingual compilation, presentation, and AI translations compiled by Inti are © Inti Foundation. Please attribute when quoting; do not bulk-copy or use commercially without permission.