Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Dh Pc 160Nakedness
Pāli / Sanskrit:Nagga
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The Nagga Discourse (Nakedness): Explanation According to the Theravāda Tradition
Background
The Nagga discourse (Nakedness) is a regulation in the Vinaya Piṭaka of Theravāda Buddhism, specifically in the Pātimokkha section, the list of basic rules that bhikkhus must observe. The background for the arising of this discourse concerns events in the Sangha during the Buddha’s lifetime, when bhikkhus had not yet established conduct worthy before laypeople and in keeping with the celibate life.
According to the Pāli tradition, the rules in the Vinaya were not laid down because the Buddha wanted to create restrictive laws, but because they teach bhikkhus to uphold noble conduct, preserve the honor of the Sangha, and inspire faith among laypeople. The Nagga discourse reflects standards of proper bodily comportment in the community of bhikkhus.
Main Content
The Nagga discourse regulates the matter of a bhikkhu being naked (nagga) or exposing the body without a valid reason. In the social context of India in early Buddhism, nakedness was not only a crude action but was also regarded as contrary to the spirit of disciplined and public morality.
This rule is classified under Pātimokkha Saṃvara, the disciplinary rules that a bhikkhu must observe. The specific content of this discourse has not been fully translated, but according to the general context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, when a bhikkhu is publicly naked or in situations unsuitable to the faith of laypeople, this may lead to refusal of alms or to loss of confidence in the Sangha.
The rule concerning nakedness is also connected with other basic principles, such as not exposing the body before people of the opposite sex or in unsuitable public places. This is part of the Three Baskets of the Teaching directed toward purity, modesty, and worthiness in every action of the practitioner.
Practical Meaning
The Nagga discourse does not merely teach formal rules, but has a deeper meaning concerning preserving respect for the body and for those around us.
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