Lzh Mu Bi Vb Pc 99Not Nursing
Pāli / Sanskrit:Naupaṭṭhāpana
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Not Nursing Sutta (Naupaṭṭhāpana)
Background
The Not Nursing Sutta appears in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pātimokkha Samvaravagga, the rules of practice for bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs. This is not a discourse directly spoken by the Buddha, but one of the communal regulations of the Saṅgha gradually formed through incidents that occurred in the course of practice. The background for the establishment of this discourse concerns cases in which bhikkhus or bhikkhunīs violated rules about health care and the nursing of sick attendants outside the Saṅgha or lay followers.
The term "naupaṭṭhāpana" means "not caring," "not serving," or "lack of proper care." This discourse reflects the concern of Theravāda Buddhism for a balanced way of life, both practicing strict discipline and ensuring humane care within the community.
Main Content
The Not Nursing Sutta states that bhikkhus are not permitted to refuse or neglect the care of those who are ill or in need of support, especially those connected with the Saṅgha. If a bhikkhu is able to help but deliberately fails to care, provide medicine, visit the sick, or encourage them spiritually, this is considered wrongful conduct according to the rule.
More specifically, this discourse refers to situations in which a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī has a student, attendant, or subordinate who is ill or in difficulty, but the teacher or fellow practitioner refuses to provide necessary support. This violates the spirit of compassion (karuṇā) and loving-kindness (mettā), core values of the Buddha-Dharma.
The discourse also recognizes that care is not only a material duty, but also includes spiritual mindfulness: teaching, encouraging, and guiding others on the path of practice. A true practitioner cannot separate himself or herself from responsibility toward those nearby.
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