Lzh Mu Bi Pm Sk 98Na mālāśirase

An Explanation of the Na mālāśirase Sutta

Background

The Na mālāśirase Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Pāli Canon of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. The Vinaya Piṭaka is a collection of rules of study and practice, along with stories concerning the formation of the Buddhist community of those gone forth. This sutta is recorded in ancient Pāli texts, reflecting specific situations in which the Buddha instructed his disciples regarding conduct and practice.

The title “Na mālāśirase” literally means “not on the head of mālā” (na = not, mālā = garland/wreath, śirase = on the head). However, this title is often a relative designation for a section of content or a particular event recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, related to punishments or special clauses in the Bhikkhunī precepts (for female bhikkhus) or the Bhikkhu precepts (for male bhikkhus).

The Vinaya Piṭaka in general is divided into many chapters (Vagga) and many sections (Pārajika, Saṅghādisesa, and so forth), each section regulating different faults and the corresponding levels of penalty. This sutta stands within that context, serving the maintenance of discipline and the integrity of the Buddhist Sangha.

Main Content

Although the descriptive information does not provide the full detailed content of the Na mālāśirase Sutta, based on the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, this sutta may relate to a specific rule or penalty applied within the community of those gone forth. The title suggests that the content is connected with the body, or more specifically with actions or conduct involving the head.

In the context of the Bhikkhunī Vinaya, such rules often relate to conduct in daily activities, such as obtaining clothing, ornaments, or actions that draw attention from laypeople. These rules were established by the Buddha so that bhikkhus might maintain dignity, avoid disturbing the people, and protect the honor of the Sangha.