Lzh Sarv Bi Vb Pc 159Nakedness

The Scripture on Nakedness (Nagga)

Background

The Nagga scripture (Nakedness) has its origin in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, specifically in the Pātimokkha Sutta, the basic rules, within the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga, the discipline for nuns. It is one of the most detailed disciplinary rules given by the Buddha for the community of bhikkhunīs, reflecting care and respect in the daily life of female monastics.

The arising context of this scripture is linked to specific events in the Sangha community. When the Buddha established these rules, it was to protect the honor of the nuns, prevent mistaken assumptions from the lay community, and maintain the purity of the Sangha body. Pāli scriptures often recount the specific circumstances that led the Buddha to formulate each rule.

Main Content

The Nagga rule is directly related to bhikkhunīs not being naked or inadequately clothed in public places or in certain circumstances. Specifically, the scripture stipulates that a bhikkhunī must always cover the body appropriately, conforming to standards of propriety and modesty.

This rule is classified as Pācittiya, one of the violations requiring confession before the Sangha body. If a nun acts in violation of this rule, she must confess openly. These are not among the first violations that cause expulsion from the Sangha body, but they are still faults that need to be corrected mindfully.

In the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, the Nagga rule is not only practical. It reflects a deep philosophy about the way the Buddha’s disciples practice: modesty is not from fear or shame, but from respect for the sacred nature of practice and from caution concerning the exploitation of the senses.

Practical Meaning

The meaning of the Nagga rule goes beyond an external regulation of conduct. In Theravāda practice, it is part of śīla, discipline, one of the three main trainings leading to the intended transformation of mind.