Lzh Mu Bi Vb Sk 77Na nadyāḥ pratisrotaḥ pātrodakaṁ grahīṣyāma

Exposition of the Na nadyāḥ pratisrotaḥ pātrodakaṁ grahīṣyāma Sutra

Background

This sutra belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, where the Buddha and the first disciples established rules for the communal life of the Sangha. The Vinaya Piṭaka is not only an administrative code but also an expression of the true Dharma, intended to protect the conduct of bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs and help them practice spiritually in purity.

The title of this sutra is written in Sanskrit, reflecting its transmission through many Buddhist traditions. The content revolves around a practical issue in the daily life of the Sangha: the use of water from streams or flowing water with a particular direction (nadyāḥ pratisrotaḥ, water flowing against the current or from a specific area).

Main Content

This sutra refers to a legal principle concerning taking drinking water or using water from natural sources. According to the Vinaya Piṭaka, the Buddha gave clear guidance: bhikkhus should not take water from a directed stream (nadyāḥ pratisrotaḥ) into the bowl (pātra) without appropriate care.

The deeper reason for this regulation is connected with the principle of "patimokkha," avoiding harm to living beings. When taking water from a natural stream, especially water flowing in a particular direction, one may unintentionally draw in or harm tiny beings (kimi) living in the water. Therefore, the Buddha advised that bhikkhus should use water that has been allowed to settle, or water that has been filtered, in order to minimize the danger of harming life.

This rule also reflects the principle of "ahimsā" (non-harming), a foundation of Buddhist ethics. Even an ordinary action such as taking water must be performed with mindfulness (sati) and wisdom (paññā), in order to protect all forms of life.