San Mu Bu Pm GBM 3 Sk 37Na saṁkṣipya pādau niṣatsyāma
Pāli / Sanskrit:Na saṁkṣipya pādau niṣatsyāma
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Exposition of the Na Saṁkṣipya Pādau Niṣatsyāma Sutta
Background
The Na Saṁkṣipya Pādau Niṣatsyāma Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Early Buddhist tradition, especially the discipline of the bhikkhus. The Vinaya Piṭaka is the collection of rules, prohibitions, and training instructions for the community of noble renunciant disciples. The rules in the Vinaya Piṭaka are not dry commandments, but practical guidelines that help bhikkhus maintain discipline, create favorable conditions for practice, and develop virtue.
The title of this sutta has Pāli/Sanskrit roots, meaning “One should not sit with the two legs drawn in.” This is a rule concerning basic, courteous, and pure conduct in the daily life of renunciants. The sutta belongs to the context of detailed rules on bodily purity, habits of daily life, and expressions of respect within the Sangha.
Main Content
This sutta states that a bhikkhu should not sit with both legs drawn in tightly (that is, sitting cross-legged in a way that covers the entire lower body with clothing or in a curled posture). Instead, a renunciant should sit appropriately and politely, with the legs visible or extended naturally, expressing openness and respect for others.
This rule has several profound meanings. First, it concerns purity and social courtesy. A tightly drawn-in and covered sitting posture may suggest affectation, concealment, or lack of openness. A renunciant, one who has left household life in search of awakening, should express this renunciation through conduct in even the smallest details.
Second, this rule concerns respect for those nearby. A courteous and natural posture helps bhikkhus show that they are not disdainful, not concealing themselves, and it is a way to maintain good relations with everyone in the community and society.
Third, this rule is part of the effort to teach bhikkhus to live consciously, attentive to even the smallest action.
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