Lzh Mu Bi Pm Pc 99Not Nursing
Pāli / Sanskrit:Naupaṭṭhāpana
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Explanation of the Naupaṭṭhāpana Sutta (The Sutta on Not Serving)
Background
The Naupaṭṭhāpana Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, especially the Pātimokkha section, the list of precepts that bhikkhus must observe. The title “Not Serving” (Not Nursing) reflects content concerning not serving or not caring for the sick in a way contrary to the spirit of renunciation.
In the context of the early Sangha community, when Buddhism had just been established, there were situations in which bhikkhus did not fulfill their responsibility to care for sick fellow practitioners, or served them improperly, causing disputes and affecting Sangha harmony. This text was included in the Vinaya Piṭaka to define clearly the attitude and actions of bhikkhus when serving those who are ill.
The Vinaya Piṭaka is one of the three principal parts of the Pāli Canon, devoted specifically to regulations concerning ethical rules, rites, and the management of the Sangha community. It is not teaching on meditation or contemplation, but practical regulations aimed at maintaining the discipline and purity of the bhikkhu community.
Main Content
The Naupaṭṭhāpana Sutta concerns the fault of bhikkhus who do not serve (naupaṭṭhāna) those who are sick or weak. The word “naupaṭṭhāna” means “not serving, not supporting, not caring.” In the Sangha community, serving the sick is regarded as an important act of compassion, an opportunity to practice the bodhisattva conduct in Mahāyāna or kalyāṇamittatā, good spiritual friendship, in Theravāda.
The text provides that when a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī is ill, others in the community have a responsibility to care for that person. If a bhikkhu evades or refuses to serve, or serves insincerely and without compassion, this is regarded as a violation of the spirit of renunciation.
In addition, this text may also relate to cases in which a bhikkhu fails to prepare necessary things for a patient, such as clean water, medicine, or other basic help.
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