Lzh Mu Bi Pm Sk 95Na mauliśirase

An Explanation of the Na Mauliśirase Sutta

Background

The Na Mauliśirase Sutta is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. The Vinaya Piṭaka is a collection of rules and guidelines for the life of cultivation, recorded to maintain discipline within the Sangha (the community of monks and nuns). This sutta refers to regulations concerning conduct and methods of practice, and to avoiding actions or habits that are harmful.

In the historical development of Theravāda Buddhism, the Vinaya Piṭaka was gradually established when specific situations arose within the Sangha. The Buddha and his disciples determined rules of conduct in order to protect the spirit of practice, maintain harmony in the Sangha, and help each practitioner progress on the path to liberation.

Main Content

The Na Mauliśirase Sutta mainly deals with issues of respect and the avoidance of actions or attitudes inappropriate to the monastic life. The phrase “Na mauliśirase” is connected with the idea that certain things should not be used or performed in practice.

This sutta especially emphasizes that certain actions or habits can harm the spirit of practice, or can lead to negative consequences for the practitioner. Therefore, the Buddha instructed monks and nuns to avoid harmful conduct, distorted thoughts, or incorrect approaches in the process of cultivation.

This rule is not merely restrictive, but is also compassionate advice from the Buddha intended to protect practitioners from traps and errors that can obstruct progress on the path to realization. It reflects a basic principle of Buddhism: avoid harmful conduct and cultivate beneficial conduct.

Practical Meaning

From the standpoint of modern practice, the Na Mauliśirase Sutta reminds us that inner strength and self-discipline are essential foundations. Not everything that brings pleasure or convenience is suitable for the path of liberation.