Lzh Mu Bu Pm Sk 102Na vikṣiptikākṛtasya

Explanation of the Na Vikṣiptikākṛtasya Sutta

Context

The Na Vikṣiptikākṛtasya Sutta is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, within the Theravāda tradition of the Buddha-Dharma. The Vinaya Piṭaka is a collection of rules for ethical conduct intended for the Sangha, formulated by the Buddha Śākyamuni in order to protect the harmony and purity of the renunciant community.

The title of this sutta, meaning “Not an act done in distraction,” refers to matters concerning mental attention and intention in action. Within the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, this sutta addresses complex situations related to intention (cetanā) and the moral responsibility of practitioners when carrying out actions in the life of practice.

Main Content

Although the descriptive information does not provide the specific content of this sutta, according to the general context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, the Na Vikṣiptikākṛtasya Sutta focuses on the principle that actions not performed in a scattered or unmindful way cannot be regarded as violations of the Dharma. This reflects a fundamental principle in Buddhism: intention (cetanā) is the basis of action.

This sutta is especially related to cases in which a monk or nun performs an action while the mind is distracted, not fully aware, or influenced by factors beyond control. The Vinaya Piṭaka, with profound balance, does not censure actions in which the one acting had no clear intention to cause harm or violate the rule.

This principle reflects the Buddha’s deep understanding of the nature of the human mind. Action creates karma (kamma) with weighty results only when it is performed with full intention and awareness. Therefore, the Vinaya Piṭaka does not apply punishments or censures equivalent to those for violations performed deliberately and decisively with the participation of the mind.

Practical Meaning

The Na Vikṣiptikākṛtasya Sutta teaches us the importance of heedfulness (appamāda) in the practice of the Buddha-Dharma.