Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Pc 159Nakedness

The Nagga Sutra (Nakedness — Without Clothing)

Background

The Nagga Sutra (Pāli: Nagga, meaning “without clothing” or “naked”) belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. It is part of the Pātimokkha, the basic training code that bhikkhus must follow in order to maintain discipline in the Sangha.

The Vinaya Piṭaka was compiled after the Buddha entered nirvana, through the councils that collected the scriptures. The rules (sīla) in the Vinaya Piṭaka were not set forth arbitrarily by idealistic Buddhism, but arose from specific situations and wrongful actions of disciples. When a violation occurred, the Buddha established the corresponding rule to prevent it.

The Nagga text concerns the rule on wearing clothing and the practice of nakedness in the life of study and practice. This is a basic disciplinary matter, connected with respect for the precepts concerning ethics and concentrated practice.

Main Content

In the Theravāda tradition, the rule on wearing clothing (Pācittiya or Nissaggiya Pācittiya) aims to protect three important points: (1) the respect of the noble community in society; (2) the ability of the practitioner to concentrate the mind (samādhi); and (3) the restraint of coarse and subtle desires.

The Nagga Sutra forbids bhikkhus to be naked or improperly dressed in daily activities. Specifically, actions such as walking about naked, bathing without covering the body, or intentionally going into unsuitable places are violations of the rule.

The deeper reason for this rule is the teaching on samādhi, concentration of the mind, an essential factor on the path of practice of the Noble Eightfold Path (Ariya Aṭṭhaṅgika Magga). When the body is properly covered, the mind is less distracted by unnecessary sense stimuli. Conversely, nakedness easily leads to embarrassment, unethical thoughts, and a decline in the faith of householders and Buddhists toward the Sangha.