Lzh Mu Bu Pm Sk 89Na aśvārūḍhāya

An Explanation of the Na Aśvārūḍhāya Sutta

Background

The Na Aśvārūḍhāya Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, where the training rules and discipline for the community of monks and nuns are preserved. The Vinaya Piṭaka is not a set of rigid laws, but guidance in ethics (sīla) that helps monastics practice in purity and harmony.

This scripture addresses issues related to the use of means of travel, specifically horses or objects connected with transportation. In the historical context of ancient India, when Buddhism first arose, carts and horses were important means of transport, so these rules reflect the Buddha’s concern for every detail of monastic life, helping practitioners avoid falling into situations unsuitable to the duty of practice.

The rules in the Vinaya Piṭaka were given gradually by the Buddha when specific situations occurred in the monastic community. Therefore, each rule has a deep reason related to ethics and Buddhist practice.

Main Content

The Na Aśvārūḍhāya Sutta concerns restrictions that bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs must observe when traveling by horse or similar means. The specific content of the discourse emphasizes that monastics should not mount horses, and should not ride without a proper reason.

These rules arise from an initial principle of Buddhism: avoid harming oneself, and avoid actions that cause shame or are not upright. Riding a horse, especially riding freely for comfort, may lead to:

First, the accumulation of desire (lobha), the pleasure that comes from comfort and personal privilege.

Second, it may create a bad impression in the eyes of ordinary people, affecting their faith in monks and nuns.

Third, it creates favorable conditions for careless actions that may harm the animal.