Lzh Mu Bi Vb Sk 37Na saṁkṣipya pādau niṣatsyāma

Interpretation of the Na Saṁkṣipya Pādau Niṣatsyāma Sutta

Background

This text appears in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga section of the Theravāda tradition. The Vinaya Piṭaka is the collection of training rules that the Buddha Gotama established for the Sangha, in order to maintain discipline and harmony in the monastic community.

The background of this text is connected with regulations concerning conduct, especially how bhikkhunīs sit and maintain their bearing. In early Buddhism, every action and every posture carried deep meaning for practice. Sitting was not merely a matter of physical comfort, but an expression of reverence, purity, and the practice of right mindfulness (sammā-sati).

The title "Na saṁkṣipya pādau niṣatsyāma" literally means "one should not sit with the legs drawn in" or "one should not sit with the legs tucked up." This is a rule concerning bodily bearing in practice, reflecting basic principles of restraining the indriya, the sense faculties, and building the power of mindfulness.

Main Content

The text states clearly that bhikkhunīs must not fold, tuck, or draw in both legs when sitting, especially in dignified circumstances such as worship, hearing the Dharma, or attending Sangha assemblies. Sitting upright, with the legs placed naturally, expresses stability of mind and respect for the Dharma.

This regulation does not apply only to bhikkhunīs, but has parallels for bhikkhus as well. It is part of the rules of pure conduct (ādibrahmacariyaka) intended to protect the honor of the Sangha and avoid unnecessary misunderstandings from laypeople.

Beneath this rule lies the principle that each movement of the body should be governed by wisdom (paññā) and mindfulness. The Buddha taught that the health and discipline of the mind begin with persistent restraint of the body. Drawing in or tucking up the legs may suggest laziness, disrespect, or lack of concentration.