Lzh Mu Bu Pm Sk 45Na vikṣiptikākṛtā pravekṣyāma

Explanation of the Na Vikṣiptikākṛtā Pravekṣyāma Sutta

Context

The Na Vikṣiptikākṛtā Pravekṣyāma Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda Buddha-Dharma tradition and consists of teachings related to discipline and the regulations for living together in the community of monks and nuns. The Vinaya Piṭaka was recorded in Vinaya texts to protect the original purity of the community of sentient beings in practice, ensuring a happy and diligent environment for all members.

The title of this sutta, meaning “We shall not enter with a distracted mind” or “One must not enter with a scattered mind,” reflects the deep concern of the Buddha-Dharma for the quality of mind when performing rituals, studying, and living in community. This is a basic principle: any activity of practice must be carried out with a focused mind, not casually or distractedly.

Main Content

This sutta teaches that when entering Sangha activities, whether chanting, studying the Dharma, attending assemblies, or performing religious rituals, bhikkhus must concentrate their whole mind on the present task. Participating in a negligent, careless, or dismissive way diminishes the effectiveness of practice and shows a lack of respect for the Buddha-Dharma.

Specifically, this sutta emphasizes that one should not “enter” (pravekṣyāma) activities with a distracted mind (vikṣipta). A distracted mind is a state governed by the five hindrances (pañca nīvaraṇā): sensual desire, ill will, sloth and torpor, restlessness, and doubt. These mental states obstruct clear understanding of the Dharma and reduce the benefit of collective practice.

The sutta teaches that a bhikkhu needs to prepare the mind before participating, eliminating wandering thoughts, focusing mental energy on the noble purpose of the activity, and maintaining awareness throughout the process. This respects not only the Dharma but also the time and effort of others in the community.