Lzh Sarv Bi Vb Sk 72Nāvakīrṇakāraka

Nāvakīrṇakāraka Sutta: Rules Concerning the Newly Entered

Background

The Nāvakīrṇakāraka Sutta, concerning newly entered persons who cause trouble, is found in the Vibhaṅga of the Vinaya Piṭaka, in the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga section, within the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. This is part of the Sutta Vibhaṅga, the section that explains in detail each prohibition of the Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha, the full code of discipline for bhikkhunīs.

The context of the sutta concerns the distinction and management of discipline within the bhikkhunī community. The Venerable Buddha established specific regulations to protect the integrity, concentration in practice, and honor of the Sangha body. A newly entered person (navakīrṇa) is a bhikkhunī who has recently gone forth and is not yet deeply experienced in the rules and responsibilities of the Sangha. The special regulations for them reflect the care and guidance of the Buddha-Dharma for those who have just begun the path of practice.

Main Content

This sutta deals with specific situations involving newly entered persons who create disputes, trouble, or disciplinary offenses within the Sangha body. The specific content of this sutta has not been fully translated, but according to the general context of the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga, the matters usually considered include:

First, actions that cause disputes due to lack of understanding or experience. A newly entered person may unintentionally violate rules about what should or should not be done, which senior bhikkhus have already understood clearly. The Vinaya Piṭaka defines the responsibility of experienced people in guiding and demonstrating these behaviors.

Second, the issue of distinguishing between intentional faults and faults due to carelessness. A newly entered person may not understand the full meaning of a rule; therefore, her transgressions are considered differently from those of people who already have sufficient knowledge.

Third, the matter of appropriate disciplinary handling.