Lzh Sarv Bu Pm 2 Pc 25Travelling on a Boat With a Nun

EXPLANATION OF THE NĀVĀBHIRUHANA SUTTA (VINAYA PIṬAKA)

Boarding a Boat with a Bhikkhunī

Background

The Nāvābhiruhana Sutta, “Boarding a Boat with a Bhikkhunī,” is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition and reflects disciplinary regulations for the daily life of monastics. The Vinaya Piṭaka is not a set of abstract commands, but practical guidance for the monastic community (Sangha) to live in harmony, preserve composure, and avoid situations that could give rise to suspicion among the lay community.

This sutta arose from a specific situation in monastic life. When monks and bhikkhunīs needed to travel, such as crossing a river or lake, the Pātimokkha rules were not always clear in every case. Therefore, the Buddha gave guidance to protect both mental purity and the honor of monastics in such circumstances.

Main Content

The sutta states that a monk should not, on his own initiative, board a boat together with a bhikkhunī unless the proper conditions are present. The specific content of this sutta has not yet been fully translated according to the present database; however, based on the context of the Theravāda Vinaya, this rule is intended:

First, to avoid suspicion among laypeople about relations between monks and nuns. The Buddha valued the honor of the Sangha; therefore, situations that appear improper, even if in fact innocent, should be avoided.

Second, to protect the mental purity of monastics. The separation between male and female monastics is not due to fear, but to clear recognition that external conditions can affect the mind. Sitting in the same boat for a long time may create unnecessary circumstances.

Third, these rules reflect the principle of “sekhiya,” matters to be trained in so as to maintain discipline. They are not grave moral offenses, but disciplinary breaches requiring correction.