Lzh Mu Bi Pm Sk 37Na saṁkṣipya pādau niṣatsyāma

Exposition of the Na Saṁkṣipya Pādau Niṣatsyāma Sutta

Background

This text belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, reflecting the rules of training that the Buddha established for monks and nuns. The Vinaya Piṭaka is the foundation of purity for the Sangha community, helping protect those who have gone forth in maintaining mindfulness and focus in practice.

The title “Na saṁkṣipya pādau niṣatsyāma” may be roughly translated as “One should not sit with the two legs drawn in” — a regulation concerning bodily attitude when attending Dharma talks, chanting, or Sangha activities. This is an expression of respect, mindfulness, and humility in the study and practice of the Buddha’s Dharma.

This regulation is recorded in the Pātimokkha section or in details related to Sangha discipline, with the aim of nurturing the spirit of heedfulness (appamāda) — not slackening, not being negligent.

Main Content

The rule “not sitting with the two legs drawn in” (na saṁkṣipya pādau niṣatsyāma) was established so that bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs maintain a proper sitting posture in formal situations. When attending Sangha meetings, Pātimokkha recitation ceremonies, or Dharma talks, members of the community should sit in a dignified posture, with legs extended or crossed in an allowed manner, rather than drawing the legs up beneath themselves.

The core purpose of this regulation is not merely the outer condition of posture, but also the state of mind. A dignified sitting posture, with the legs extended, expresses a calm and reflective mental energy, ready to receive the Dharma. Conversely, a posture with the legs drawn in often suggests comfort, laxity, and even drowsiness or lack of respect.

This rule also reflects a general principle in Theravāda Buddhism: outward conduct and the inner mind are deeply connected. Maintaining mindfulness through the body is a way to preserve mindfulness of the mind.