Lzh Sarv Bu Pm 2 Sk 83Na aśvārūḍhāya

The Na aśvārūḍhāya Scripture - Explanation According to the Theravāda Tradition

Context

The Na aśvārūḍhāya scripture (Pāli: Na assārūḷhāya) is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, the section that defines the rules of practice for the Sangha. The context of this scripture relates to practical issues of discipline and ethical action in the community of bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs.

The Theravāda tradition values the Vinaya Piṭaka as a collection of living guidance, because it not only regulates outward behavior but also contributes to developing the mind of the practitioner. The regulations in the Vinaya are not groundless punishments, but measures that help remove unwholesome states such as greed, hatred, and delusion, from which bad habits arise in the community of practice.

Main Content

The Na aśvārūḍhāya scripture concerns a specific situation in the Vinaya: actions that a monastic should not perform or actions that are prohibited. The original title means "not to mount a horse" or "not to use a horse," reflecting one of the many detailed rules about the way of life of bhikkhus.

In the Theravāda Vinaya Piṭaka, such regulations are not established arbitrarily. They usually arise from specific situations: when a problem arises in the community of practice, the Blessed Buddha prescribes what is to be avoided. The prohibition of certain actions, such as using horses or luxurious means of transport, has the purpose of helping monastics maintain simplicity, humility, and avoid dependence on luxurious material things.

These regulations reflect a basic principle: whatever may weaken the mind, give rise to anger, greed, or pride, should be avoided. A bhikkhu mounting a horse may be seen as unsuitable to the image of a renunciant, one who has abandoned worldly life with its symbols of power and wealth.

Practical Meaning

The Na aśvārūḍhāya scripture teaches that study and practice are not only about right thoughts (sammāsaṅkappa), but also about appropriate actions (sammākammanta).