Lzh Mg Bi Vb Sk 62Nisinno sayanassa

Commentary on the Nisinno Sayanassa

Background

The Nisinno Sayanassa (Those Regarded as Reclining) is part of the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. The Vinaya Piṭaka is a collection of rules and guidelines for the practice of the community of bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs, established by the Blessed One Gotama.

The Pātimokkha (the fundamental code of discipline) within the Vinaya Piṭaka is arranged into specific topics intended to protect the purity of the religious community and to nurture the spirit of practice. The Nisinno Sayanassa belongs to the section of Sekhiya Dhamma (training rules), which are precepts concerning specific behaviors in the daily life of monastics. These rules are not grave offenses such as the Pārājika or Saṅghādisesa, yet they are all important trainings that contribute to the building of personal discipline and mutual respect within the monastic community.

Main Content

The Nisinno Sayanassa concerns monastics sitting or reclining in specific situations. In particular, this text instructs that bhikkhus should not sit or lie down in inappropriate places, especially those that may give rise to misunderstanding or negatively affect the image of the Sangha.

The purpose of this rule is for monastics to maintain dignity in every action. When wanderers or laypeople observe bhikkhus sitting and reclining in an appropriate and composed manner, this gives rise to faith and reverence toward the Dharma. Conversely, improper conduct may arouse doubt, leading to a loss of connection with lay supporters and negatively affecting the growth of the Dharma.

The training rules (Sekhiya) were established not only for reasons of individual conduct but also for the benefit of the community as a whole. Every action of a monastic is a representation of the Dharma; therefore, every gesture and every posture must reflect the purity and discipline of the monastic life.