Lzh Mi Bi Vb Sk 35Not Enter Proudly

The Discourse on Not Entering with a Proud Mind

Context

This discourse belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, especially to the Khosambī rules (Khosamba Vatthu) of the Theravāda Buddhist Sangha. The Vinaya Piṭaka records the Buddha’s teachings on renunciant discipline, intended to maintain harmony and purity in the Sangha.

The discourse was transmitted in the context of the Buddha guiding bhikkhus on the attitude required when entering sacred places, especially when attending assemblies of the Dharma community or receiving a meal offering. This principle reflects a basic stance of Theravāda Buddhism: conceit (māna) is an obstacle on the path of practice, while humility and heedfulness (appamāda) are foundations of liberation.

The warning about "not entering with a proud mind" is not merely an outward rule of conduct, but a profound reminder of the mental state needed in the process of studying and practicing the Buddhadharma.

Main Content

The discourse warns bhikkhus that they must not enter an assembly hall (uposathagara, the gathering place of the Sangha) or spaces set aside for practice and study with a proud, arrogant, self-important mind. This can be understood in several ways: one must not carry the idea that one is superior to companions, or that oneself is more important than the community.

Conceit (māna), according to Theravāda Buddhism, is defined as thoughts that make the mind self-exalted, look down on others, or attribute to oneself qualities that are not actually present. When a bhikkhu enters a communal space with this mental state, he not only violates a training rule but also harms harmony (samaggi) and loving-kindness (mettā) within the Sangha.

Conversely, the discourse instructs that when entering such places, a bhikkhu should have a humble mind (appamāda, careful and mindful), respect the Sangha as a whole, and remember that each individual is only a small part of the shared community of practice.