Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Dh Sk 6Na hastiśuṇḍaṁ
Pāli / Sanskrit:Na hastiśuṇḍaṁ
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THE NA HASTIŚUṆḌAṀ SCRIPTURE: THE TRUNK AND THE LESSON ON HUMILITY
Background
The Na hastiśuṇḍaṁ scripture belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda tradition, one of the most profound historical sections of law and training in Buddhism. The Vinaya Piṭaka not only prescribes prohibitions and permissions, but also tells constructive educational stories, helping disciples understand the spirit behind each rule.
This scripture was transmitted to educate bhikkhus in humility and respect for the Buddha’s instructions. During the time when the Buddha was still present in the world, disciples sometimes committed faults because of pride, conceit, or contempt for the teachings. For this reason, the Buddha told profound stories to instruct them, helping bhikkhus understand the value of humility and reverence.
Main Content
The specific content of this scripture has not been fully translated in the available materials, but according to the general context of Vinaya Piṭaka scriptures on the same theme, the Na hastiśuṇḍaṁ scripture (“Not the Elephant’s Trunk”) usually teaches about the mistake of regarding oneself too highly and comparing oneself with lowly objects or images.
In similar stories, the Buddha often uses the images of animals or material objects as examples. The elephant’s trunk, though great and strong and able to lift heavy things, if it is proud of material strength and neglects spiritual practice, still cannot escape suffering. The scripture teaches that humility and observance of the Dharma are the only path to liberation.
The key point of the Vinaya Piṭaka is to emphasize that the rules are not arbitrary impositions, but principles proven through experience and directed toward a noble purpose. A bhikkhu should receive the teachings with a mind of faith and humility, and should not destroy himself through pride or contempt.
Practical Meaning
For those who practice the Buddha-Dharma today, the lesson of this scripture remains profound.
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