Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Sk 53Na vikṣiptikākṛtā pravekṣyāma

Exposition of the Na Vikṣiptikākṛtā Pravekṣyāma Scripture

Background

This scripture is taken from the Vinaya Piṭaka, the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga section, which consists of rules of practice established by the Buddha for monks and nuns. The Vinaya Piṭaka is not only a set of strict legal orders, but also a school of ethics, consciousness, and inner discipline.

The title "Na vikṣiptikākṛtā pravekṣyāma" in Sanskrit, with a possible Pāli equivalent "Na vikkhittakākataṃ pavekkhissāma," means "We shall not enter, nor engage in, actions done in a scattered and unfocused way." This is a basic principle of carefulness and wholeheartedness in Buddhist practice.

Main Content

The scripture emphasizes the principle of not participating in activities or works performed in a scattered and distracted manner. In the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, this applies directly to the monastic community, those who have gone forth to practice according to the path of the Buddha-Dharma.

Distraction (vikkhitta, Sanskrit: vikṣipta) is not merely physical movement without order, but also indicates an unstable state of mind, without clear purpose. When an action is performed without wholehearted attention, without care, and without clear awareness of ethical motivation, it has the quality of "distraction" from the Buddhist perspective.

This scripture advises monastics to avoid situations or activities that lack Dharmic conduct (dhamma-cariyā). Entering into work without concentration, clear awareness, or observation of the mind is an action lacking wisdom (avijjā). This is a great danger on the path of practice, because it weakens the power of the mind and causes one to lose the primary aim of training.

Practical Meaning

The scripture teaches that practicing the Buddha-Dharma requires complete wholeheartedness. Every action, every word, and every thought must be performed with care and with clear understanding of its consequences.