Lzh Mi Bi Vb Sk 86Nātyastikākṛtasya

Explanation of the Nātyastikākṛtasya Sutra

Background

The Nātyastikākṛtasya sutra (Pali: Nāṭṭhasaccakakiccasaññāsutta) appears in the Vinaya Pitaka of the Early tradition, specifically in the Vibhaṅga section, the detailed analysis. This is an inseparable part of the practice and governance of the monastic community. The Vinaya Pitaka is not merely a collection of rigid rules, but life-guiding instructions grounded in the Buddha's wisdom and compassion.

This sutra was given to address issues related to action, intention, and consequence in the life of practice. Its setting lies within the broader context of the Vinaya, where the Buddha and senior disciples continually explained, clarified, and adapted regulations to specific situations arising in the monastic community.

Main Content

This sutra focuses on the principle of action (kamma) and intention (cetanā) in the context of monastic life. According to the Early tradition, action is not governed by fate or deities, but by intention, the mental nature of the thought when the action is performed. The Buddha taught: "Intention, bhikkhus, is what I call karma" (Cetanāhaṃ bhikkhave kammaṃ vadāmi).

In the context of the Vinaya Pitaka, this sutra clarifies that the actions of monastics are evaluated according to their underlying intention. An action that appears bad may not create a Vinaya fault if the intention is not to seize or violate. Conversely, an action that appears good may still create a problem if the intention is confused or impure.

The sutra also refers to other factors that affect the nature of an action: whether it is public or private, the possible consequences, and the proper understanding of the Dharma. These help the monastic community distinguish among serious offenses, minor offenses, and actions that are not offenses at all.

Practical Meaning

For those who practice according to the Early tradition today, the Nātyastikākṛtasya sutra provides a firm legal and ethical basis.