Lzh Mu Bi Vb Sk 94Na kholaśirase

Explanation of the Na Kholaśirase Sutta

Background

The Na Kholaśirase Sutta, found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga — the discipline for bhikkhunīs — records a situation concerning the observance of discipline by women monastics in the community of monks and nuns of the Buddha Gotama. In the Theravāda tradition, the Vinaya Piṭaka is not merely a formal law code, but a set of detailed instructions on how to live purely, build harmony in the Sangha, and nurture the spiritual life.

The title “Na Kholaśirase” may relate to a specific conduct or event in monastic life. According to the tradition of the Pāli Canon, Vinaya suttas of this kind are often named after the context, person, or principal action that gave rise to a dispute over discipline requiring explanation.

Main Content

Although the specific content of this sutta has not been fully translated from the original Pāli sources, based on the structure of the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga, this sutta likely addresses a situation related to the action, speech, or attitude of a bhikkhunī. The method of interpreting discipline in the Pāli Vinaya includes three basic elements: patti (the violation), āpatti (the offense that arises), and nisīdana (the basis or circumstance).

In the Vibhaṅga texts, the Buddha often analyzes an action through:

• Classification of the nature of the action (whether it is a violation or not)
• The manner in which the action was performed (intentional or unintentional)
• The situation and conditions related to that action

This structure is intended to help monastics understand the true intention of the Noble Dharma, rather than apply the discipline mechanically. This reflects the deeply humane spirit of Theravāda Buddhism: the law is established to protect the spiritual life, not to punish.

Practical Meaning

Vinaya suttas such as Na Kholaśirase have profound value for modern practitioners.