Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Dh Sk 21Well-Restrained (2nd)

The Dutiyasusaṁvuta Sutta (The Second Section on One Who Is Well-Restrained)

Background

The Dutiyasusaṁvuta Sutta is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, the disciplinary division of the Theravāda canon, and is titled "The Second Section on One Who Is Well-Restrained." This text belongs to the system of training in discipline (sīla) for bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs in the Sangha of the Buddha.

Historically, the Vinaya Piṭaka was formulated by the Buddha to maintain the purity of the Sangha and to establish the ethical foundation for collective practice. Vinaya texts were established through specific events: when a fault arose, the Buddha set forth a corresponding rule to prevent and instruct.

The title "Dutiyasusaṁvuta" (The Second Section on One Who Is Well-Restrained) suggests that this is the second lesson in a series of teachings on how to restrain the mind and actions according to the Dharma. The word "Susaṁvuta" means "well restrained," "firmly guarded," shaped through receiving the teaching.

Main Content

Although the detailed content of this text has not yet been fully translated, based on the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka and the usual structure of Theravāda Vinaya texts, it is directed toward instructing a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī in the restraint of the faculties (indriya-saṁvara), and the restraint of speech, action, and thought.

The concept of "being well-restrained" (Susaṁvuta) is an important criterion in assessing a good monastic. One who is well-restrained will:

Guard the faculties wisely. When eye, ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind come into contact with objects, the monastic does not allow craving (lobha), hatred (dosa), and delusion (moha) to infect the mind.

Observe ethical discipline (sīla) with full understanding of cause and effect (kamma). Each action and word is carefully considered before being carried out.