Lzh Sarv Bu Pm Sk 17Well-Covered
Pāli / Sanskrit:Suppaṭicchanna
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SUPPAṬICCHANNA SUTTA (THE WELL-COVERED SUTTA)
Context
The Suppaṭicchanna Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon and reflects regulations on Sangha discipline in the Early Buddhist tradition. The word "Suppaṭicchanna" means "well covered" or "well concealed," indicating a situation related to the way monastics observe the precepts in daily activities.
This sutta was recorded in the discipline section, where the Buddha instructed monastics in specific rules of conduct. These regulations are not arbitrary commands, but arose from real situations encountered by monastics of the time. Their purpose is to help the Sangha maintain discipline, protect communal well-being, and create favorable conditions for the practice leading to liberation.
Main Content
In the Vinaya Piṭaka, the regulations concerning being "well covered" relate to standards for handling disciplinary matters within the Sangha community. Specifically, this sutta deals with situations in which offenses or secondary actions may affect the integrity of a monastic or of the community.
According to the Early Buddhist tradition, "well covered" (Suppaṭicchanna) states that a monastic, in order to be recognized by the community and peacefully complete the practice, must observe all disciplinary requirements fully. This includes not only major offenses (Pārājika), but also smaller matters such as eating, wearing clothing, and interacting with those outside the community.
The sutta emphasizes that discipline is not oppression but a protective boundary. When a monastic is "well covered" by the precepts, that is, when their actions are covered by right teachings, they avoid harm and misfortune. Conversely, when one violates the regulations, that monastic is "left exposed" to spiritual dangers.
Practical Meaning
The Suppaṭicchanna Sutta teaches that discipline (sīla) is the foundation of Buddhist practice.
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