Lzh Sarv Bu Vb Sk 23Enter Not Smelling
Pāli / Sanskrit:Enter not smelling
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Explanation of the "Enter Not Smelling" Sutra
Background
This sutra belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, a collection related to monastic discipline in the Sangha. The Vinaya Piṭaka was established to protect the spirit of practice and the purity of the monastic community. The regulations in the Vinaya Piṭaka are not authoritarian commands, but guidelines that protect the mind and merit, helping practitioners focus on the Buddha path.
The "Enter Not Smelling" Sutra is one of the specific rules related to distinctions within spaces of practice. It refers to the fact that monastics should not enter spaces determined by physical characteristics, specifically scent. This is a way of expressing respect for boundaries and care in movement, especially in sacred or specialized areas.
Main Content
In the Vinaya context, "Enter Not Smelling" is a rule related to protecting the space of practice from improper intrusion. This sutra instructs that monastics should not enter places identified by physical signs such as fragrance or scent, perhaps to distinguish areas reserved for special religious purposes.
This rule reflects a profound principle in Buddhism: respect for boundaries (sīma). In the Theravāda tradition, sīma is the formally designated space where the Sangha gathers to carry out official acts such as pabbajjā. These boundaries are defined by physical markers or natural features, and observing them is an expression of discipline and respect.
The sutra teaches that not every place is suitable for any monastic to enter at any time. Some places need to be respected, and not entering them, even when only subtle signs such as smell are involved, is a way to practice purity of mind and loving-kindness (maitrī).
Practical Meaning
The "Enter Not Smelling" Sutra is not only an outward rule of conduct, but also a tool for training the mind.
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