Lzh Mi Bi Vb Pc 123Not Nursing

The Scripture on Not Nursing (Naupaṭṭhāna)

Background

The Naupaṭṭhāna scripture belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Pāli Canon, specifically the Pācittiya section, the lighter violations. This scripture reflects one of the basic principles of Theravāda Buddhist monastics: self-reliance and responsibility in practice.

The context in which this scripture appears concerns rules on mutual care among monks. In the monastic community (Saṅgha), support and care in sickness or difficulty are strongly emphasized as duties. However, the Buddha also taught that care from others is not always possible, sometimes for objective reasons or because of other obligations. This scripture identifies cases in which lack of care is not a violation of virtue, but is unavoidable or lawful.

Main Content

In the Vinaya, Naupaṭṭhāna refers to situations in which a monk cannot or does not need to care for another sick monk. These regulations protect a monk from being blamed when there are legitimate reasons that make it impossible to perform the duty of care.

Specifically, this scripture establishes that if a monk:

• Cannot reach the sick person because of distance or geographical obstacles
• Is carrying out another duty for the Saṅgha or the teacher (ācariya)
• Does not have the skill or knowledge to care properly
• Is prevented by illness himself

then the lack of care for the sick monk does not constitute a Pācittiya offense requiring confession.

This reflects an important principle in the Vinaya: fairness and consideration of specific circumstances. Virtue is not mechanical compliance with rules, but understanding of relative conditions and wisdom in application.

Practical Meaning

The Naupaṭṭhāna scripture teaches us that in Buddhism, responsibility must be weighed together with actual circumstances. Mutual care is essential, but it cannot be absolute without regard to practical capacity.