Lzh Mg Bi Pm Np 17Niḥsīveti
Pāli / Sanskrit:Niḥsīveti
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Commentary on the Niḥsīveti Sutta
Background
The Niḥsīveti Sutta is found within the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, specifically in the Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha section of the Mahāsaṅghika. The word "Niḥsīveti" means "to let fall, to drop down" or "to relinquish," and this text concerns the rules governing the dress and proper conduct of bhikkhunīs within the monastic community.
The Vinaya Piṭaka was compiled in the earliest period of the Buddha Dharma, established by Śākyamuni Buddha and his direct disciples to maintain discipline among monks and nuns. Vinaya rules such as the Niḥsīveti are not arbitrary restrictions, but guidelines with deep and well-founded reasons, relating to the cultivation of mental composure, the protection of the Sangha's honor, and the long-term support of the Dharma.
Principal Contents
The Niḥsīveti Sutta stipulates that bhikkhunīs must not allow their hair or other parts of the body to "fall down" or be improperly exposed in public circumstances or in the course of practice. This forms part of the rules governing the dress (cīvarakaraṇa) and appearance (ākāra) of female monastics.
Specifically, this text concerns the proper maintenance of garments such as the outer robe (saṅghāṭi) and the wrapping cloth (ānuyogapañcaka), so that the hair or parts of the body remain covered. If a bhikkhunī deliberately allows her hair to fall down or exposes parts of her body in an improper manner, this is regarded as a breach of discipline. This rule aims to protect two things: first, the personal decorum (sīla) and integrity of practice of the individual; and second, the effect upon the image of the Sangha in the eyes of the world.
Within the context of the Theravāda tradition, observing the details of dress is not a matter of pride or outward form, but because these details are directly connected to the mind and to intention (cetanā). A bhikkhunī who maintains her appearance with propriety will not give rise to mistaken points of focus, nor will she generate unwholesome thoughts concerning herself.
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