Lzh Mi Bu Vb Sk 12Well-Covered (2nd)
Pāli / Sanskrit:Dutiyasuppaṭicchanna
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The Second Sutta on the Skill of Covering
(Dutiyasuppaṭicchanna)
Background
The “Second Sutta on the Skill of Covering” (Dutiyasuppaṭicchanna) belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. The Vinaya Piṭaka is the collection of texts that sets forth in detail the training rules for the community of monks and nuns, serving as the legal foundation of the order from the time of Buddha Śākyamuni.
The matter of “covering” (suppaṭicchanna) in the legal context concerns the way practitioners, bhikkhus, and bhikkhunīs conceal or cover improper actions, or the subtler and more complex aspects of breaches of monastic discipline. In this sutta, “covering” is not simply concealment, but the skillful handling of delicate situations in monastic life, where impermissible actions are performed under unusual forms or circumstances.
Main Content
The “Second Sutta on the Skill of Covering” deals with cases of breaches of monastic law that are not direct, but occur through indirect and subtle means. This is the second time (dutiya) that this issue is presented, showing its importance and complexity within the system of the Vinaya Piṭaka.
Specifically, this sutta refers to situations in which members of the Sangha attempt to avoid being discovered while carrying out actions not in accordance with the Pātimokkha, the independent code of discipline for the monastic community. These actions are not necessarily the gravest offenses, but they express a lack of clear mindfulness or mistaken judgment regarding the training rules one has vowed to observe.
The sutta emphasizes that attempting to conceal or “cover” improper actions is another form of mental transgression. It reflects the “covering” not only of actions but also of truth, and this contradicts the way of life of the Sangha, which is based on honesty and transparency.
Practical Meaning
In Theravāda Buddhist practice, the “Second Sutta on the Skill of Covering” offers a profound lesson on the importance of an honest way of life.
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