Lzh Mu Bu Vb Sk 20Squatting
Pāli / Sanskrit:Ukkuṭika
Save your scripture progress
Create a free account to save scriptures, track progress, and continue your daily learning path.
The Squatting Sutta (Ukkuṭika)
Background
The Ukkuṭika sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, specifically in the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga, the section of rules prescribed for female monastics. This is one of the detailed rules related to bodily posture in practice and in the daily life of bhikkhunīs.
In the context of the Buddha-Dharma, such rules are not merely about obedience, but reflect profound wisdom about how practice purifies the mind. Each regulation concerning the body was given by the Buddha to support mental cultivation, reduce defilements, and limit conduct that might cause misunderstanding within the Sangha community.
Main Content
The Ukkuṭika sutta (ukkuṭika = squatting, a particular bodily posture) regulates the use of the squatting posture in specific circumstances. This posture, with the legs bent up and the buttocks close to the ground, is a form of movement or stillness in certain situations of monastic life.
According to the Vinaya texts, bhikkhunīs are required to observe rules on how to sit, stand, and move the body, especially in public contexts or when interacting with male monastics. The use of a squatting posture is restricted or regulated in order to maintain solemnity, in keeping with the spirit of practice in a monastic community.
The specific content of this sutta has not yet been fully translated, but in the general context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, regulations on bodily posture aim to: (1) protect the honor of monks and nuns; (2) avoid actions that may lead others to misunderstand the independence and integrity of practice; (3) train self-control, or dantha-vutti (disciplined conduct).
Practical Meaning
Although the Ukkuṭika sutta speaks of a practical detail of bodily posture, its deeper meaning lies in expressing dignity and self-mastery in every action.
🌏 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.