Lzh Mu Bu Vb Sk 36Na saṁkṣipya pādau niṣatsyāma

The Na saṁkṣipya pādau niṣatsyāma Sutta

On Not Folding the Two Legs While Sitting

Background

This sutta is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of Theravāda Buddhism, specifically in the Bhikkhu Vibhaṅga, the analysis of the bhikkhus’ discipline. The Vinaya Piṭaka is the most detailed collection on rules of practice and standards for communal life in the community of the faithful Sangha. The regulations in the Vinaya Piṭaka were set forth by the Buddha based on specific situations that occurred in the community of bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs, with the purpose of maintaining a pure, focused life in harmony with the subtle principles of the Dharma.

This sutta concerns the conduct of the body in the four postures: walking, standing, sitting, and lying down. In the Theravāda tradition, the way a practitioner conducts the body is regarded as a direct expression of the mind. Every movement and every posture reflects the degree of mindfulness (sati) and wakefulness of the practitioner. This sutta teaches the proper way to sit, the way to hold the body so that it does not harm the spirit of practice and so that it accords with humane standards.

Main Content

The phrase “Na saṁkṣipya pādau niṣatsyāma” means “We should not fold the two legs and then sit,” or “One should not sit with the two legs folded in a careless manner.” This command may appear simple, but it contains deep significance concerning the culture of training and discipline in the Sangha.

In the context of Buddhist practice, folding the two legs too carelessly or awkwardly while sitting is considered a sign of indulgence, lack of self-mastery, or disregard for discipline. The Buddha wanted the Sangha to maintain an image of dignity, courtesy, and refinement in every movement of the body. Proper sitting, usually in the lotus posture (paryaṅka) or sitting with the back straight, helps maintain mindfulness, supports meditation, and expresses respect for the Dharma and the Sangha.