Lzh Mg Bi Vb Sk 7Na milimaṁ
Pāli / Sanskrit:Na milimaṁ
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THE SUTTA OF NA MILIMAṀ
An Exposition According to the Traditional Theravāda Vinaya
Background
Na milimaṁ is a training rule recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, specifically belonging to the Vibhaṅga (the Book of Analysis) of the Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha — the code of discipline for nuns. These training rules are presented in connection with particular events, following the characteristic format of the Pāli Vinaya: the Blessed One observes an improper act on the part of certain nuns and then establishes a rule in order to protect the practice and the order within the Sangha.
The Vinaya Piṭaka is not merely a collection of mechanical prohibitions; it is an expression of the compassion of the Blessed One. Each training rule came into being to protect the cultivation of the nuns themselves and of those about to enter the monastic life. Na milimaṁ (rendered provisionally as "Not the non-such") reflects one of the fundamental principles of monastic discipline: clarity, transparency, and the protection of individual honor.
Principal Content
This training rule concerns matters of speech and conduct that are offensive, harassing, or violative of the personal purity of other nuns. According to the context of the Vibhaṅga, the Blessed One prohibits nuns from abusing power or position to intimidate, slander, or cause harm to the honor of their fellow monastics. This training rule emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and the protection of adherence to the pure holy life (brahmacariya).
In particular, Na milimaṁ is closely connected to the principle of "not milimaṁ" — that is, not being regarded as "unclear," "impure," or "untrustworthy." A nun must maintain a blameless reputation not only in bodily action but also in speech, intention, and her relationships with others in the community. Any act that may tarnish one's own honor or cast doubt upon the character of another is prohibited.
The Vinaya Piṭaka preserves detailed accounts of how cases of violation of this training rule are to be handled, including various degrees of gravity depending on the nature and seriousness of the conduct.
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