Lzh Mu Bi Vb Sk 85Nātyastikākṛtasya

Explanation of the Nātyastikākṛtasya Sutta

Background

The Nātyastikākṛtasya Sutta, meaning “performance by outsiders,” belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda Pāli tradition and is a regulation concerning offenses by bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs. This sutta is found in the Vibhaṅga section of the Sutta Vibhaṅga, where the Buddha and his disciples analyze and clarify the prohibitions in the Pātimokkha.

The context in which this sutta appears is connected with maintaining the discipline of the Sangha. When monastics violated rules established by the Buddha, the Vinaya texts recorded the specific events, from which prohibitions and corresponding penalties arose. The Nātyastikākṛtasya Sutta refers to conduct related to forms of entertainment inappropriate to the title “one gone forth” — specifically participation in theatrical performances, dance, singing, or other forms of secular entertainment.

Main Content

The sutta states that a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī should not attend, support, or participate in theatrical performances, dancing, or singing by worldly people. If such a person intentionally participates in these activities — whether by singing, dancing, or even merely standing and watching — this constitutes a violation of the established rules.

The reason for this regulation is rooted in a basic principle: one gone forth has renounced worldly life in order to pursue the path of liberation. Theatrical performances, dancing, and singing not only lead to attracting attention and arousing emotions of greed and aversion, but also cause monastics to forget the true purpose of their practice. Moreover, when one gone forth participates in such activities, they create a bad impression among Buddhist laypeople and diminish respect and confidence in the Sangha.

The Vinaya Piṭaka also distinguishes different levels of offense depending on the specific act: merely watching drama, or actually taking part in the performance.