Lzh Mi Bu Vb Sk 49Well-Restrained
Pāli / Sanskrit:Susaṁvuta
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SUSAṀVUTA SUTTA (ONE WHO IS WELL TRAINED)
Background
The Susaṁvuta Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, in the Sikkhapadavibhaṅga, the explanation of the training rules. This is an indispensable part of the system of the Buddha’s order, where proper conduct, prohibitions, and legitimate forms of practice for bhikkhus are prescribed.
The term Susaṁvuta is formed from “su” (well) and “saṁvuta” (guarded, restrained). It refers to a monastic equipped with guardianship of the mind, guardianship of the senses, restraint in eating, and restraint regarding avoidance. These forms of guarding are not rules imposed from outside, but voluntary commitments that nourish spiritual life and protect the mind of the Path.
The background of this sutta arises from practical need: the Buddha and his disciples required a clear framework to govern the monastic community, ensuring harmony, collectedness of mind, and cooperation in Buddhist practice. This sutta is therefore part of the practical instructions that help bhikkhus maintain self-discipline.
Main Content
The Susaṁvuta Sutta explores the ways in which a bhikkhu becomes “well guarded.” This is not merely formal observance of rules, but a mental attitude: always vigilant, always self-examining, always directing the mind toward purity.
Guardianship of the mind (citta-saṁvara) is the foundation: a bhikkhu must restrain unwholesome states of mind and cultivate wholesome states. Through meditation and mindfulness, the mind is directed toward liberation.
Guardianship of the senses (indriya-saṁvara) refers to control of the six sense faculties: eye, ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind. When seeing an image or hearing a sound, the bhikkhu does not allow craving or anger to arise. This is direct training with stimuli from outside.
Restraint in eating (bhojane mattaññutā) is knowing the proper measure and not being greedy for more food.
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