San Mu Bu Pm GBM 2 Sk 9Nātyutkṛṣṭaṁ prāvariṣyāma
Pāli / Sanskrit:Nātyutkṛṣṭaṁ prāvariṣyāma
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Explanation of the Nātyutkṛṣṭaṁ Prāvariṣyāma Sutta
Context
The Nātyutkṛṣṭaṁ Prāvariṣyāma Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, the teachings concerning rules for the communal life of monks and nuns. In the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, the Vinaya Piṭaka is not merely a set of rules of conduct, but an expression of the Noble Eightfold Path and the foundation for the purification of mind and progress on the path to liberation.
The context of this sutta lies in the instructions that the Buddha Gotama gave to the Sangha concerning activities permitted and not permitted in the monastic community. In particular, the sutta focuses on identifying actions that are unsuitable to the outward appearance of a samaṇa, a renunciant, and the things disciples need to avoid in order to maintain integrity.
The detailed recording of this in the Vinaya Piṭaka reflects the Buddha’s concern that monastics must always be mindful of outward appearance, because outward integrity will lead to inward integrity.
Main Content
The Nātyutkṛṣṭaṁ Prāvariṣyāma Sutta revolves around an important principle: performance activities, especially those related to puppetry, music and dance, or other entertainments, are activities not permitted for samaṇas who follow the Buddha’s discipline. The word "Nātyutkṛṣṭaṁ" (नाट्युत्कृष्टम्) indicates actions related to theatrical spectacle and stage performance.
The sutta emphasizes that a samaṇa must not take part in these activities, whether as spectator or performer. The reason is not that such activities are evil in themselves, but that they lead to distraction of the mind, arouse craving, and divert attention from the primary goal, practice leading to Nirvana.
The sutta also stipulates that encouraging or supporting others to take part in such activities is also considered a violation.
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