Lzh Mu Bi Pm Sk 85Nātyastikākṛtasya
Pāli / Sanskrit:Nātyastikākṛtasya
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The Nātyastikākṛtasya Sutta: A Prohibition Concerning Theatrical Activity
Background
The Nātyastikākṛtasya Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, the body of discipline regulating prohibitions for Buddhist monks and nuns. This work records disputes, violations, and cases (abhidhamma) connected with theatrical activities and artistic performances in ancient monastic life.
In the social context of ancient India, plays, dancing, and singing (nāṭya) were common forms of entertainment at festivals and royal courts. As Buddhism developed, it became necessary to regulate clearly whether monks and nuns should participate in, learn, or perform such activities. The Vinaya Piṭaka therefore records the Buddha’s guidance and the decisions of the Sangha council, in order to protect the pure way of life of the monastic community.
Main Content
This sutta presents prohibitions concerning artistic performance activities in which monks and nuns are not permitted to participate. Specifically, a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī is not permitted to:
Participate in or perform dramatic, dance, or singing performances for the purpose of entertainment. Such activities are regarded as distracting the mind and drawing one away from the aim of practicing for awakening. In particular, training in dramatic performance requires time and mental energy that should be devoted to meditation (jhāna) and the study of the Dharma.
Watch or encourage others to carry out such activities. A true practitioner should not become an audience member or supporter of these things, because doing so indirectly violates the spirit of living apart from worldly pleasures.
Use performance techniques for show, attraction, or deception. Although the Sutta Piṭaka records Buddhist stories expressed in vivid figurative speech, the purpose is education, not entertainment or the satisfaction of fond desire.
This specific rule is established to protect the spirit of “nekkhamma” (renunciation), one of the basic characteristics of Buddhism.
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