Lzh Sarv Bi Vb Sk 10Na milimaṁ

Sutra Na milimaṁ — Vinaya Explanation

Background

The Na milimaṁ text is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga, the section giving detailed regulations for female monastics. This text is recorded in the Pāli Canon tradition of Theravada Buddhism, reflecting the disciplinary codes established by the Buddha to maintain discipline, harmony, and purity in the nuns’ Sangha.

The Vinaya Piṭaka is not, as it is sometimes understood, a set of “rigid commands,” but wise guidance intended to protect spiritual practice. In the context of the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga, the rules are presented through concrete events in the life of the Buddha, where female monastics violated the discipline and the Buddha instructed them, afterward declaring rules to prevent similar conduct.

Main Content

The title “Na milimaṁ” means “not suitable, not proper” or “not upright.” This text concerns one of the basic disciplinary rules related to improper behavior in the nuns’ Sangha. In particular, it may relate to acts or situations that the Buddha considered unsuitable for those gone forth, things that could disgrace the Sangha or arouse suspicion in the community.

The structure of the Vibhaṅga usually includes: (1) Method, describing the offending behavior; (2) the root statement (Pātimokkha), declaring the rule; (3) Anusandhāna, detailed explanation of each word; (4) Suttavibhaṅga, commentary on the factors that constitute the offense.

The Na milimaṁ text may relate to such categories as improper conduct, improper speech, or actions that, according to the Buddha, would harm the honor of the Sangha or obstruct the progress of practice among its members.

Practical Meaning

However, understanding the Vinaya Piṭaka is not merely obeying external rules. Buddhist discipline (sīla) is regarded as the foundation of virtue: the voluntary regulation of action, speech, and mind according to the principle of non-harming.