Lzh Mu Bu Vb Sk 38Na viḍaṅgikaya niṣatsyāma

The Na viḍaṅgikaya niṣatsyāma Sutta

Explanation of the Theravāda Vinaya Piṭaka

Background

The Na viḍaṅgikaya niṣatsyāma sutta is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, specifically in the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga, the section of regulations for female monastics. The background for the arising of this sutta is related to issues of communal discipline among monks and nuns in the early period of Buddhism.

The Buddha established the Vinaya not because of the intrinsically evil nature of actions, but to protect harmony in the Sangha, help practitioners practice the Dharma with peace of mind, and maintain respect from the lay community. Each rule was taught for a specific reason: when some monastic committed a violation, the Buddha then issued the prohibition.

Main Content

The phrase “Na viḍaṅgikaya niṣatsyāma” means “we shall not sit separately” or “not apart from the group.” This is a rule concerning communal conduct among female monastics, related to avoiding improper private or isolated activities.

In the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, such rules often address matters of safety and estrangement. The Buddha encouraged female monastics not to remain alone for too long, especially those newly ordained, because this could lead to misguided thoughts, an unstable contemplative mind, or unnecessary suspicions from the community. Instead, they should remain together, support one another, and share experiences of practice.

This rule also reflects an important principle in the Sangha: connection and mutual support among members. There is no isolation, but a communal body with a shared goal: the attainment of nirvana (Nibbāna).

Practical Meaning

The deeper meaning of this regulation lies not only in physical behavior but also in psychology. A Buddhist female monastic, when practicing the Dharma properly, should avoid habits of self-training in isolation or self-sufficiency that separate her from the great assembly.