Lzh Sarv Bu Pm 2 Sk 9Na vikīrṇaṁ prāvariṣyāma

NA VIKĪRṆAṀ PRĀVARIṢYĀMA SUTTA

An Interpretation from the VINAYA PIṬAKA OF THE THERAVĀDA TRADITION

Background

The Na vikīrṇaṁ prāvariṣyāma Sutta (Pāli: Na vikīrṇaṁ āvariṣyāmi) belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically to the Pātimokkha, the fundamental code of discipline of the Buddhist Sangha. It is one of the important rules related to the discipline of communal life for monks and nuns.

According to the Theravāda tradition, the Vinaya Piṭaka records the Buddha’s teachings on rules of action intended to protect the spirit of practice and maintain harmony in the renunciant community. These regulations are not arbitrary laws, but a system of self-discipline serving the goal of liberation from suffering (nirvana).

Main Content

The title “Na vikīrṇaṁ prāvariṣyāma” means “We shall not leave scattered” or “We shall not leave dispersed,” referring to an important principle concerning the management of communal property, especially the utensils and goods of the Sangha.

This rule is rooted in a specific incident: monks often left objects, such as robes, alms bowls, or daily-use tools, scattered without a proper place, causing waste and loss. This violated the principle of frugality and respect for the property of the monastic community.

The Buddha therefore prescribed that communal objects must be placed in orderly locations and carefully preserved. Each monk must take responsibility not to leave property scattered or uselessly destroyed. This is an expression of mindfulness (sati), right mindfulness in the management of daily material things.

Practical Meaning

The Na vikīrṇaṁ prāvariṣyāma Sutta is not only an administrative regulation, but also expresses a profound spirit of practice. It teaches that mindfulness must permeate every activity, even seemingly minor acts such as arranging one’s belongings.

A Theravāda practitioner understands that every action has a seed (binnuṁ), a causal agent.