Ka Bu Pm Sk 30Nolambikayā gamiṣyāma

Explanation of the Nolambikayā Gamiṣyāma Sutta

Background

The Nolambikayā Gamiṣyāma Sutta is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Khandhaka section, consisting of detailed rules and guidelines for monastic discipline for the community of monks and nuns. The Theravāda tradition regards the Vinaya Piṭaka as the foundation of the entire system of practice, because these rules not only maintain order in the Sangha but also reflect the compassion and wisdom of the Buddha.

This discourse was recorded in the context of monks and nuns being guided by the Buddha on how to conduct themselves in specific situations. The title “Nolambikayā gamiṣyāma” means “we shall go without relying on anything” or “we shall go with self-mastery and without attachment.” The word “nolambikayā” (non + lambikayā) indicates not leaning, not being bound, an expression of the purity and spiritual independence toward which the Buddha-Dharma aims.

Main Content

This discourse sets forth a basic principle concerning how monks and nuns should act when leaving the monastery or traveling from one place to another. The Buddha emphasizes that movement or instruction should not rely on favoritism or attachment to worldly material things. Instead, monks and nuns need to maintain a pure mind, observe the bhikkhu precepts, and preserve samsāric circularity from spreading.

Specifically, the discourse instructs monks and nuns that when acting, especially in activities connected with communal life, they must be very careful not to let their minds fall into dependence on things external to others, such as property, beauty, or fame. The spirit of “not relying” is the very foundation of the bodhisattva path and liberation (nirvana).

The Vinaya Piṭaka is not a collection of prohibitions intended merely for control, but guidelines that help monks and nuns recognize for themselves which modes of action lead to suffering and which lead to liberation.