Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Dh Sk 2Nātyavakṛṣṭaṁ nivāsayiṣyāma
Pāli / Sanskrit:Nātyavakṛṣṭaṁ nivāsayiṣyāma
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Commentary on the Nātyavakṛṣṭaṁ Nivāsayiṣyāma Sutta
Background
The Nātyavakṛṣṭaṁ Nivāsayiṣyāma Sutta (meaning "We shall allow those of the theatrical class to dwell below") is a regulation in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. It is part of the Pātimokkha, the most basic code of discipline for the fourfold assembly of disciples, especially bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs.
In the social context of India during the time of the Buddha Śākyamuni, performers (nātyavakṛṣṭa) were regarded as people of low moral standing. They traded in entertainment, often connected with activities regarded as morally impure and with intentions not compatible with the pure practice of renunciants. This text therefore clearly regulates the relationship between the Sangha community and such groups, reflecting the principle of Theravāda Buddhism: protecting the purity of the Sangha community.
Main Content
This text is part of the regulations on sammodanā (appropriate association), or in other words, standards of social conduct between renunciants and laypeople. The specific rule is that bhikkhus should not allow performers to reside in the monastery or participate in Sangha communal activities. This is not personal discrimination, but a humane legal principle: preserving a pure environment for practice.
The action "nivāsayiṣyāma" (to allow to stay, to allow to reside) is prohibited because it creates unfavorable conditions for mental concentration and maintenance of the spiritual mind of practitioners. This reflects a profound principle: one's living environment directly affects the process of practice. Those involved in entertainment or commerce are not suited to a way of life based on complete renunciation.
Practical Meaning
This text teaches us about discernment in the environment of practice. To succeed on the path of the Four Noble Truths, the practitioner needs to create around himself a pure space, both physical and mental.
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