Lzh Sarv Bi Vb Pc 102Not Nursing

Sutra on Not Caring (Naupaṭṭhāpana)

Background

The Sutra on Not Caring belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically the Pātimokkha section of the code of standards, the basic rules of conduct for monks and nuns in the Buddhist Sangha. This is a part of the Vi Hamsa offenses (Vi Hamsa Sikkhapadā), that is, offenses involving specific conditions and situations, not offenses entailing loss of monastic status.

The historical picture shows that these regulations were formed after monastics in the Buddha's time acted in ways not in accord with the spirit of practice. These actions did not violate basic morality, but needed correction in order to maintain the image of the Sangha and preserve purity.

Main Content

The rule "Not Caring" (Naupaṭṭhāna) revolves around the deliberate failure to care for, nurture, or abandoning persons or things for which a monastic has accepted responsibility. Specifically, it concerns a monastic deliberately neglecting:

• Monks, nuns, or disciples under their guidance
• Common tasks of practice that have been assigned
• Responsibilities committed to the Sangha

This offense arises from a mind of negligence, lack of responsibility, or selfishness. Unlike other Vi Hamsa offenses that involve positive actions (doing what should not be done), the Naupaṭṭhāna offense is an omission, a negative action: not doing what one should do.

According to the Vinaya Piṭaka, when a monastic is found to have engaged in this conduct, that person must confess and make correction. Correction includes taking up again the responsibilities that were abandoned, or carrying out the procedures of penance (Pāṭidesanā) to purify the mind and restore harmonious relationship with the Sangha.

Practical Meaning

The spirit behind this rule emphasizes the importance of responsibility and maturity in practice. Buddhism does not focus only on active deeds, but also gives weight to what we should not abandon: commitments and responsibilities toward those around us and toward ourselves.