Lzh Mu Bi Pm Sk 88Na hastyārūḍhāya

An Explanation of the Na Hastyārūḍhāya Sutta

Background

The Na Hastyārūḍhāya Sutta (Not Riding an Elephant) belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. The Vinaya Piṭaka is the collection of rules of practice and communal discipline for monks and nuns, set forth by the Buddha Śākyamuni to protect and sustain the spiritual independence of those gone forth.

In early Buddhist history, bhikkhus (male monastics) and bhikkhunīs (female monastics) needed to observe precepts in order to avoid actions that would bring shame upon the Sangha or obstruct their practice. This sutta records a specific situation connected with the use of animals for travel—specifically elephants—a common means of transportation in Southeast and South Asian countries in ancient times.

The context of the Vinaya Piṭaka always arises from actual events within the community of monks and nuns, from which the Buddha and his most senior disciples established regulations appropriate to the local and historical circumstances.

Main Content

Na Hastyārūḍhāya—“Not Riding an Elephant”—teaches a prohibition in the Pātimokkha (Bhikkhupātimokkhapāḷi), the fundamental rules that bhikkhus must observe. This prohibition concerns riding an elephant on one’s own initiative without a valid reason or without permission from the leaders of the Sangha.

The intention of this rule is not to prohibit the use of elephants in all cases, but to prevent actions that express self-will, display, or lack of discipline. Those gone forth should maintain an attitude of humility, not seeking comfort, status, or unnecessary conveniences. Using an elephant carelessly may reflect states of mind such as seeking bodily comfort, displaying wealth or social position, or lacking respect for others in the Sangha.