Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Dh Sk 97Nātyastikākṛtasya

Explanation of the Nātyastikākṛtasya Discourse

Background

The Nātyastikākṛtasya discourse belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Pāli tradition, the detailed disciplinary regulations for the community of monks and nuns. The Vinaya Piṭaka is not merely a list of prohibitions, but a set of guidelines that help practitioners train in purity and harmony with the community.

This discourse concerns matters related to actions, speech, or behavior in the context of entertainment activities, especially artistic performances that monks and nuns should avoid. In the social context of ancient India, dancing, music, and forms of entertainment were considered likely to lead to distraction of mind and distance from the purpose of practice for those gone forth.

The Buddha established these rules not in order to impose restrictions, but to protect the purity of the life of practice and maintain the credibility of the Dharma in the eyes of the lay community.

Main Content

The Nātyastikākṛtasya discourse concerns the prohibition or regulation of performance-based entertainment. Specifically, it refers to actions in which those gone forth, whether monks or nuns, should not take part, including forms of dancing (nātya), dance, music, or activities of public entertainment.

This does not mean an absolute prohibition of all forms of music or art. Theravāda Buddhism recognizes that sacred music and praise of the Dharma have value. However, entertainment activities aimed at earning money, seeking fame, or leading to worldly attachment are regarded as inappropriate for the life of one gone forth.

This rule also aims to prevent distraction of mind (citta-vikkhepana) from practice, and to protect the dignity of the Sangha. A monk or nun who takes part in performances may diminish laypeople’s faith in the Dharma, because such conduct appears to be a retreat into worldliness.