Lzh Mu Bu Vb Sk 87Na hastyārūḍhāya
Pāli / Sanskrit:Na hastyārūḍhāya
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Explanation of the Na hastyārūḍhāya Sutta
Background
The Na hastyārūḍhāya Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Early Buddhist tradition, specifically the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga, the rules of practice for bhikkhunīs, nuns. This is one of the most detailed disciplinary texts, regulating the behavior and way of life of female monastics in the original Sangha.
The title “Na hastyārūḍhāya” translated from Pāli means “Not mounted on an elephant.” This sutta handles a specific situation: whether a nun is permitted to mount an elephant and under what conditions. This seemingly simple question, in the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, addresses a deeper issue concerning rules for governing the body, self-control, and the distinction between permitted and prohibited actions in practice.
In the time of Śākyamuni Buddha, nuns needed to observe strict rules in order to maintain discipline and pure practice. These rules were not issued arbitrarily; rather, the Buddha taught according to circumstances, based on specific situations that arose in the Sangha, in order to protect the spirit of practice of bhikkhunīs.
Main Content
The sutta states that nuns are not permitted to mount elephants, even in certain cases that might seem “reasonable” or “convenient.” This rule is absolute. If a nun mounts an elephant, this is considered a violation of the rules of practice (sekhiya sikkhamāna, rules for training conduct).
The reason behind this rule relates to many aspects of practice: first, mounting an elephant may be connected with arrogance or valuing bodily display; second, this action may lead to unnecessary interactions with other people, damaging calm and concentration of mindfulness; third, it reflects the broader principle of limiting actions that may cause disturbance or misunderstanding in the monastic community.
The Vinaya Piṭaka requires nuns to pursue simplicity in lifestyle, in dress, and in daily actions.
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