Lzh Sarv Bi Vb Sk 84Na aśvārūḍhāya
Pāli / Sanskrit:Na aśvārūḍhāya
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Explanation of the Na aśvārūḍhāya Sutta
Background
The Na aśvārūḍhāya Sutta (Pāli: Na assārūdhāya) belongs to the Vinaya Pitaka of the Theravāda tradition, specifically among the prohibitions for bhikkhunīs, women gone forth. The Vinaya Pitaka is the collection of texts that set forth the training rules, discipline, and prohibited actions that those gone forth must observe in order to maintain the purity of the Sangha, the community of practitioners.
This Vinaya record concerns specific situations that occurred in the daily life of bhikkhunīs. In the Buddha’s time, these prohibitions were established to protect purity, preserve the practice of the nuns, and reduce misunderstandings from lay society. Each prohibition arose from a specific event, when a certain bhikkhunī acted improperly, leading the Buddha to establish a rule to prevent it.
Main Content
In the context of the Theravāda Vinaya Pitaka, the Na aśvārūḍhāya text reminds practitioners of prohibitions related to the use of means of transport or actions unsuitable to the humble conduct of monastic life. The phrase “na aśvārūḍhāya” (one should not ride a horse) refers to things that should not be done, actions that may bring disrepute upon the Sangha or cause misunderstanding among outsiders.
The prohibitions in the Vinaya Pitaka are divided according to severity, from acts that cause loss of monastic status (Pārājika) to lighter violations (Dukkaṭa). Prohibitions concerning the use of transport, adornment of outer appearance, or modes of conduct that may arouse the curiosity of laypeople are recorded in detail so that bhikkhunīs may observe them with self-awareness.
This text emphasizes that a true bhikkhunī should restrain herself, know contentment, and always be aware that her actions represent the entire Sangha. Avoiding blameworthy actions, such as riding a horse openly or behaving in ways that cause others to judge, is part of the five trainings in purity (Pañca-Śīla) and the disciplines of restraint (Saṃvara-Śīla).
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