Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Dh Sk 29Notkuṭukā niṣatsyāma
Pāli / Sanskrit:Notkuṭukā niṣatsyāma
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Commentary on the Notkuṭukā Niṣatsyāma Sutta
Background
Notkuṭukā niṣatsyāma is a regulation in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, within the discipline governing inappropriate actions of bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs. The Vinaya Piṭaka is recorded in the Pāli Canon as a collection of rules for the renunciant life that the Buddha Śākyamuni established for the Sangha from the earliest days of the community.
This text appears in the context of the Buddha establishing corresponding regulations because of specific events in which disciples committed faults or behaved in ways not in accord with the spirit of practice. These rules are not meaningless rigid regulations, but compassionate and wise guidance to protect the purity of the Sangha, helping bhikkhus practice in peace and remain focused on realizing the Dharma.
Main Content
Notkuṭukā niṣatsyāma concerns unsuitable actions or places in which bhikkhus should not take part or remain. Specifically, the content warns that bhikkhus should not sit (niṣatsyāma) in hidden, cramped, or unclear places, especially places that could lead to misunderstanding or suspicion from laypeople and society.
This regulation arises from a fundamental principle of Buddhist practice: one should avoid actions or situations that could harm one's own honor, the honor of the Sangha, and especially the faith of those who follow and study the Buddha. A monastic bhikkhu must always preserve purity of conduct, not only in actual actions but also in outward appearance, so as not to give rise to suspicion or groundless criticism.
This rule also reflects the subtlety of the Buddha-Dharma in building and maintaining trust from outsiders. Even if the actual action is entirely pure, if it creates a mistaken impression, it is still not encouraged within the Sangha.
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