Lzh Mu Bu Vb Sk 23Na nikaṭotkuṭakayā gamiṣyāma

Explanation of the Na Nikaṭotkuṭakayā Gamiṣyāma Sutta

Background

This section is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, one of the three main collections of the Pāli Canon in the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. The Vinaya Piṭaka is a collection of rules, training instructions, and stories concerning the arising of bhikkhu training (bhikkhusavara) in the monastic community under the guidance of the Buddha.

The title “Na nikaṭotkuṭakayā gamiṣyāma” (“We shall not go by a shortcut”) reflects one of the basic principles of the Vinaya: considered, mindful action and observance of regulations with the purpose of protecting the spirit of practice as well as preserving the honor of the monastic community in the eyes of lay society. This section originated from specific situations that occurred during the Buddha’s lifetime, when bhikkhus needed instruction on how to conduct themselves in daily life.

Main Content

This sutta concerns a training instruction on actions that should not be performed when traveling or acting. The phrase “nikaṭotkuṭaka” means “shortcut” or “unofficial path,” while “gamiṣyāma” means “we shall go.” This combination indicates that bhikkhus should avoid marginal actions, nonstandard methods, or shortcuts in the discipline of the Sangha.

The Buddha taught that bhikkhus should not seek ways to evade or bypass the regulations that have been established. Instead, they should follow the official path, the path established by the Vinaya, by the Dhamma and Vinaya. This is not merely a matter of formal obedience, but is connected with spiritual cultivation, the development of concentration (samādhi), and wisdom (paññā).

The regulations in the Vinaya were established not to restrict freedom, but to protect individual spiritual development and maintain harmony in the Sangha community. When bhikkhus deliberately seek “shortcuts” to avoid following the Vinaya, they not only break discipline but also weaken the foundation of their own monastic practice.