Lzh Mu Bi Vb Sk 33Na sarvakāyaṁ samavadhāyā niṣatsyāma
Pāli / Sanskrit:Na sarvakāyaṁ samavadhāyā niṣatsyāma
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Interpretation of the Na Sarvakāyaṁ Samavadhāyā Niṣatsyāma Sutta
Background
This text is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition and belongs to the category of regulations concerning bodily posture and the conduct of bhikkhus. The Vinaya Piṭaka is the most detailed collection in the Pāli Canon, recording the Buddha's instructions for the Sangha in order to maintain discipline and harmony in the monastic community.
The background of this text arose from specific situations in the life of the Sangha. Bhikkhus frequently had to observe restrictions on sitting, standing, and lying postures in collective spaces, especially during Sangha assemblies or group meditation sessions. This was not only to maintain order, but also to protect respect for the Dharma and concentration of mind.
The topic "not letting the whole body take up space" (Na sarvakāyaṁ samavadhāyā) reflects a basic principle of the Buddhadharma: purity, economy of space, and mutual respect. This text is evidence of the detail with which the Buddha guided the Sangha, from great matters to small ones.
Main Content
"Na sarvakāyaṁ samavadhāyā niṣatsyāma" means "one should not let the whole body take up space when sitting" or "one should not occupy too much space with the entire body while sitting." This is a regulation concerning sitting posture in the context of the Sangha, especially where space is limited.
According to the Vinaya Piṭaka, when bhikkhus gather to hear the Dharma or conduct Sangha meetings (Saṅgha), each person must be aware of their space and must not arbitrarily expand the body to occupy too much room. This is connected with the rules of Sīla, morality, specifically the part related to humility and respect within the community.
This regulation also reflects the spirit of the Dhamma: regularity, balance, and non-wastefulness. In the Theravāda tradition, the Buddhadharma is not only lofty theories, but also concrete actions repeated daily in order to train the mind.
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