Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Sk 1Nātyutkṛṣtaṁ nivāsayiṣyāma

Explanation of the Nātyutkṛṣtaṁ Nivāsayiṣyāma Sutra

Background

This sutra belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, the body of customary law governing the Buddhist bhikkhu community. The title “Nātyutkṛṣtaṁ nivāsayiṣyāma” means “We shall lodge them in a place that is not too elevated,” reflecting a regulation concerning the dwelling places of bhikkhus. This is part of the detailed regulations for daily life in practice, arising from specific situations that the Buddha encountered or that his disciples reported.

According to the Theravāda tradition, the Vinaya Piṭaka records the rules (Pātimokkha) promulgated by the Buddha to maintain discipline within the Sangha, the community of bhikkhus. Each rule has illustrative stories (nidāna) concerning how it was established, with an educational rather than punitive purpose.

Main Content

The sutra prescribes that bhikkhus should not dwell in places that are “too elevated” (nātyutkṛṣṭa). This does not refer only to geographical height, but also to dwellings that may lead to conceit, excessive pleasure, or conditions favorable to greed (lobha), hatred (dosa), and delusion (moha).

“Elevated places” are understood as places that are:

First, too comfortable, with luxurious upper stories, making it easy to fall into sensual pleasure (kāma-sukha-allikānuyoga). This is contrary to the principle of “Dhutaṅga,” the ascetic practices that a practitioner should undertake in order to train the will.

Second, places near worldly entertainment or excitement, which may distract the mind from the Dharma.

Third, areas where bhikkhus may easily become entangled through praise, affection, or complex social situations.

The Buddha instructed bhikkhus to live in places that are “not too elevated” (ayuttakaṁ), that is, places suitable for practice: secluded, quiet, little disturbed, and conducive to concentration (samādhi) and wisdom (paññā).