Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Sk 52Na hastasaṁlagnikaya niṣatsyāma

Exposition of the Na Hastasaṁlagnikaya Niṣatsyāma Scripture

Background

The Na Hastasaṁlagnikaya Niṣatsyāma scripture belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the early Pāli Canon, a body of regulations for the monastic community of early Buddhism. The Vinaya Piṭaka is not theoretical discourse, but practical regulations and specific guidance on moral discipline (sīla), intended to maintain harmony and purity in the Sangha.

The opening part of the title "Na hastasaṁlagnikaya" (not holding fire with the hands) indicates that these rules concern physical actions, specifically prohibitions related to the use of fire and communal property of the Sangha. In the context of Buddhist monasteries in ancient India, managing property, especially flammable materials such as fire, wood, and oil, was a practical matter requiring regulation.

This scripture reflects the Buddha’s deep concern for action, not only mental intention but concrete actions as well. Any action connected with fire, a symbol of destruction and danger, must be actively controlled.

Main Content

Although the detailed content of this scripture has not yet been fully translated in the available materials, we may understand that it prescribes specific prohibitions concerning holding or using fire by hand in certain situations. The phrase "niṣatsyāma" (we shall not) shows that this is a referential command or regulation concerning actions to be avoided.

In the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, rules such as this usually arise from specific events. The Buddha or his disciples encountered situations causing trouble or danger, and from that the Buddha established regulations (Pātimokkha, prātimokṣa rules) to prevent similar conduct in the future.