Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Sk 84Na aśvārūḍhāya
Pāli / Sanskrit:Na aśvārūḍhāya
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Na aśvārūḍhāya Sutta: The Rider Not Mounted on a Horse
Background
The Na aśvārūḍhāya Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Early Buddhist tradition and is recorded in various versions of the early Buddhist schools. The term “Na aśvārūḍhāya” means “not mounted on a horse” or “not riding a horse,” reflecting a specific situation connected with Sangha discipline.
The Vinaya Piṭaka was composed to regulate the Buddhist religious community, protect the purity of the Sangha, and maintain harmony in the community. These disciplinary discourses are often arranged in the form of specific incidents that occurred, from which the Buddha set forth regulations (Pātimokkha) in order to avoid the recurrence of harmful situations.
The historical context of this discourse lies in the early period of Buddhism, when bhikkhus were developing habits inconsistent with the spirit of humble and detached practice. The basis for formulating the rule was actual events involving disciples of the Buddha.
Main Content
The Na aśvārūḍhāya Sutta relates to an event in which certain bhikkhus acted, or intended to act, in a manner inappropriate to the character of those gone forth. Specifically, the issue raised concerns riding horses or using means of conveyance as an expression of laxity, developing familiarity with luxuries or amusements unnecessary for a practitioner.
In the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, this action is regarded as a violation of the humble way of life. The Buddha saw that bhikkhus participating in such activities were gradually straying from the true path of practice. Therefore, a regulation was issued to prohibit or restrict such conduct.
This rule is not merely about using or not using a horse, but also reflects a profound principle of Buddhist discipline: protecting the mind from tendencies toward greed, aversion, and delusion. Every action, however small, can be the first step toward greater things if it is not controlled. This is the preventive philosophy of the Vinaya Piṭaka.
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