Lzh Mu Bu Pm Sk 55Na hastasaṁlagnikaya pravekṣyāma
Pāli / Sanskrit:Na hastasaṁlagnikaya pravekṣyāma
Save your scripture progress
Create a free account to save scriptures, track progress, and continue your daily learning path.
An Explanation of the Na Hastasaṁlagnikaya Pravekṣyāma Sutta
Background
The Na Hastasaṁlagnikaya Pravekṣyāma Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, and is one of the disciplinary rules of the Sangha carefully recorded in the Vinaya collections. The title of this discourse derives from Pāli, reflecting rules related to corrupt or improper conduct by bhikkhus within the monastic community.
The historical background of the discourse originates in the early period after Buddha Gotama entered nirvana, when the Sangha needed to establish detailed rules to maintain discipline. These rules are not meaningless restrictions, but protective measures for the purity and faith of the monastic community, helping bhikkhus focus on the path of liberation without being shaken by desire and greed.
Main Content
This discourse revolves around the principle of not embezzling or improperly using the property and resources of the Sangha. The phrase "Na hastasaṁlagnikaya" (न हस्तसंलग्निकाय) is equivalent to "not using the hand to seize unlawfully" or "not embezzling what belongs to the community."
In the Vinaya Piṭaka, disciplinary rules like this are stated when an incident has occurred. Usually, a bhikkhu or a group of bhikkhus violated this principle, perhaps by taking temple funds, using communal property for private purposes, or failing to observe the fair distribution of monastic requisites. The Buddha or the elders of the Sangha would then give clear guidance, not only to punish but also to educate.
The discourse emphasizes that bhikkhus must live simply, using only what is necessary for practice: robes, an alms bowl, lodging, and medicines. Everything beyond these, especially gold and silver, must be avoided.
Practical Meaning
The profound meaning of this discourse does not lie in merely establishing administrative rules, but in protecting the mind.
🌏 The Buddhist canon is vast — some sūtras (such as comparative Vinaya across schools, or untranslated Tibetan-canon texts) have to this day NEVER been translated into Vietnamese or English by anyone, scholars included. Rather than leave it blank, Inti AI offers a FAITHFUL summary grounded in the tradition — from the sūtra's title, origin and essence — so you can still reach this rare part of the treasury. Whenever an original translation exists, the app shows the original first.
Translations belong to the translator/source credited above. The bilingual compilation, presentation, and AI translations compiled by Inti are © Inti Foundation. Please attribute when quoting; do not bulk-copy or use commercially without permission.