Lzh Mg Bi Pm Pc 104Nānuśāset
Pāli / Sanskrit:Nānuśāset
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Nānuśāset (Not to Be Instructed)
Background
The Nānuśāset is found within the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, specifically in the Pātimokkha — the fundamental precepts governing monks (bhikkhus) and nuns (bhikkhunīs). Within the context of monastic community practice, these rules are not rigid constraints but practical guidelines that help monastics cultivate the mind, maintain composure, and foster harmony within the Sangha.
This scripture was compiled from specific situations that arose during the Buddha's teaching of his disciples. The precepts were not established through arbitrary authority, but arose as a result of mistaken actions committed by monks, after which the Buddha provided instruction to prevent such actions from recurring. Each rule therefore carries a profound educational significance.
Main Content
Nānuśāset addresses an important principle of monastic discipline: a monk must not act upon or instruct another monk to transgress the rules without directive from the Buddha or those possessing proper authority within the Sangha. The term "nānuśāset" (na — not; anu — following; śāset — to teach, to instruct) describes the condition of "not being instructed" or "acting without following proper guidance."
This relates directly to responsibility and discipline within the Sangha. A senior monk, in particular one who serves as a preceptor (upajjhāya) or a spiritual friend (kalyāṇamitta), bears the responsibility of guiding younger or newly ordained monks in accordance with the rules and teachings. If a monk acts on his own accord without following proper guidance, or misdirects others, this constitutes a violation of the order and the trust of the religious community.
This rule also reflects the principle of "not acting arbitrarily" (anajjhāsaya) — meaning that significant actions undertaken within the Sangha must have the consent or guidance of those of higher virtue and standing.
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