Lzh Mu Bi Pm Sk 60Nāvarṇakārakaṁ paribhokṣyāma
Pāli / Sanskrit:Nāvarṇakārakaṁ paribhokṣyāma
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EXPOSITION OF THE NĀVARṆAKĀRAKAṀ PARIBHOKṢYĀMA SUTRA
Background
The Nāvarṇakārakaṁ paribhokṣyāma Sutra appears in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Early Buddhist tradition, that is, the collection of rules, principles of discipline, and guidance for practice established by the Buddha Gotama for the community of those who have gone forth (bhikkhu and bhikkhunī). The original Pāli-Sanskrit title points to a concrete image: “we shall eat colored things” or “we shall use painted things.”
The historical context of this sutra concerns regulations on the use of goods and property by bhikkhus. These rules were established to protect the quality of the life of practice, prevent material desire and corruption in the monastic community. The Vinaya Piṭaka emphasizes that observing these rules is not evil or an innocent restriction, but a means of liberation from the bonds of desire.
Main Content
This sutra, as its title suggests, discusses issues related to using items that have been painted or dyed in the ascetic life. Specifically, this refers to the use of robes, cloths, undergarments, and other personal items that a bhikkhu is permitted to own according to the rules of practice.
The teaching of the Buddha Dharma in the Vinaya Piṭaka does not entirely prohibit the use of painted or dyed things, because certain colors are regarded as appropriate for the life of a bhikkhu. However, this sutra is grounded in the basic principle that the items used should be simple, unostentatious, and not influence the mind away from contemplation and concentration.
The sutra instructs that the choice of items should be based on suitability, economy, and avoidance of waste. This reflects the principle of minimal dependence (nissaya), minimal reliance on material things so that one may concentrate on the main purpose of practice: abandoning greed, anger, and delusion.
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