Lzh Sarv Bu Vb Sk 15Na vikīrṇaṁ prāvariṣyāma

Explanation of the Na Vikīrṇaṁ Prāvariṣyāma Sutra

Background

The Na Vikīrṇaṁ Prāvariṣyāma Sutra belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda Buddha Dharma tradition and is recorded in Pāli, the language used by the Buddha to teach the Dharma. The Vinaya Piṭaka is the collection of rules and guidelines for the renunciant life, established by the Buddha to protect and develop the monastic community (Saṅgha).

The title "Na Vikīrṇaṁ Prāvariṣyāma" means "We shall not let it be scattered"; this is a matter related to discipline and responsibility in managing the communal property of the Saṅgha. This sutra arose from specific situations in which bhikkhus violated principles concerning the sharing and preservation of public property, especially practice requisites and robes (cīvara).

Main Content

This sutra centers on the problem of bhikkhus allowing property, especially robes and requisites provided for the Sangha, to be scattered, lost, or improperly managed. The Buddha saw that this behavior not only caused waste but also reflected a lack of carefulness, lack of discipline, and lack of respect for the public property on which the Saṅgha depended to function.

To remedy this, the Buddha established a clear rule (Dhamma): bhikkhus must carefully look after these properties and must not allow them to be scattered or lost. This rule is not only an administrative matter but also an ethical training; it cultivates carefulness (appamāda), respect, and responsibility toward common resources.

Through this sutra, the Buddha also wished to teach bhikkhus that practicing the Buddha path is not only concerned with meditation and insight, but also includes the smallest details of daily life. Every action, from caring for robes and food to managing property, is an opportunity to nurture a peaceful mind free from greed, hatred, and delusion.