Lzh Mu Bu Pm Sk 10Na milimaṁ

Explanation of the Na Milimaṁ Sutta

Background

The Na Milimaṁ Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda tradition of the Buddha-Dharma, the body of law regulating the life of bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs. The Vinaya Piṭaka is regarded as the ethical and disciplinary foundation of the Sangha, helping to protect the purity of the noble dispensation.

This discourse was proclaimed in order to clarify regulations related to the conduct, speech, and thoughts of renunciants. According to the Theravāda tradition, the Vinaya Piṭaka is not a set of unreasonable restrictions, but principles established by the Buddha for the purpose of protecting happiness, harmony, and spiritual progress in the monastic community.

Main Content

Framing the regulations in “Na Milimaṁ” (Not), this discourse sets out criteria distinguishing morally offensive conduct from noble conduct. Much of the content of the Vinaya Piṭaka concerns determining what members of the Sangha should not do, from grave offenses (Pārājika) to lighter violations.

Specifically, this discourse focuses on principles distinguishing conduct with desire (taṇhā) and conduct free from desire. It emphasizes that actions causing harm to others or to oneself, or causing division in the Sangha, are not worthy of one who has gone forth to pursue liberation.

Through specific regulations, the discourse teaches that the steps of training must be guided by wisdom and compassion (paññā - pāramī). Each rule is not an arbitrary imposition; all arise from the shared goal: attaining nirvana and helping all beings be freed from suffering.

Meaning for Practice

For monastics, the Na Milimaṁ Sutta is a basis for cultivating a dignified mind and voluntary discipline. Each commitment to observe the Vinaya is not bondage, but the free choice of a wise path. When a bhikkhu understands clearly the reason behind each rule instead of observing it blindly, the mind becomes more uplifted.