Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Pc 114Nānuśāset

Explanation of the Nānuśāset Sutta

Background

The Nānuśāset Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, specifically in the Pātimokkha, the basic discipline of the Sangha. This text addresses a subtle issue of violation related to the act of not following the guidance and instruction (anuśāsana) of one’s principal teacher. In the context of the Buddhist Sangha, beyond observing the major rules, monks must also follow the personal instructions of elders and the communal rules of monastic life.

The violation described in this text concerns a monk’s failure to comply with the command of a teacher or someone with authority in the monastic community, even though the action may not directly violate any specific precept. This is an important aspect of monastic discipline: it considers not only specific actions but also the spirit of compliance and respect for the system of religious education.

Main Content

The Nānuśāset Sutta deals with the situation in which a monk does not follow the guidance of a teacher or leaders in the Sangha. The phrase “nānuśāset” means “does not comply with instruction” or “disobeys an order,” expressing an attitude that fails to respect the sacred authority of the Buddhist educational system.

This rule is not about doing something inherently wrong, but about carrying out an action even after being told to stop, or refusing to follow guidance. This violation belongs to the pācittiya category, an offense requiring confession and beneficial restraint, while still being remediable through repentance and supportive practice. This classification reflects the deep understanding of Theravāda Buddhism regarding levels of violation: some are grave offenses requiring temporary or permanent expulsion, while others can be corrected through confession and supplementary practice.

Practical Meaning

The Nānuśāset Sutta teaches that the virtue of obedience is a foundation of Buddhist practice.