Lzh Mu Bi Pm Sk 57Na thutthukāraka

Exposition of the Na Thutthukāraka Sutra

Background

Na thutthukāraka (Pāli: နaထုတ္ထုကာရက) is a sutra belonging to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Early Buddhist tradition, the section that regulates the ethical rules and discipline of the Sangha. The Vinaya Piṭaka is not a collection of texts teaching theoretical Dharma, but consists of concrete rules laid down by the Buddha for bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs in order to maintain harmony, purity, and progress in the renunciant community.

The Na thutthukāraka Sutra concerns actions or attitudes not accepted in the Sangha. The title implies things “not acknowledged” or “not approved” by the community of practice, that is, conduct that violates the standards or ethics of one who has gone forth.

Main Content

In the Vinaya Piṭaka, regulations are presented through historical stories describing specific events in which the Buddha discovered mistakes or limitations in the actions of his disciples, and from these laid down appropriate rules. The Na thutthukāraka section focuses on behaviors considered improper and unsuitable to the virtue of a renunciant.

Specifically, actions “not acknowledged” may include using vulgar language, violating regulations on eating and drinking, or actions that damage the honor of the Sangha. These rules were laid down by the Buddha not to punish, but to educate the mind, helping bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs recognize clearly the harm of unwholesome actions and train in self-control according to the path of the Awakened One.

Practical Meaning

The approach of the Vinaya Piṭaka in general, and of the Na thutthukāraka section in particular, reflects a profound truth: practicing the Buddha Dharma is not only intellectual understanding, but the training of every daily action, word, and thought. Understanding clearly what is “not acknowledged” also helps the practitioner recognize what is “acknowledged” (thutthukāraka), forming a practical ethical system.