San Mu Bu Pm GBM 3 Sk 4Na hastiśuṇḍaṁ
Pāli / Sanskrit:Na hastiśuṇḍaṁ
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Exposition of the Na hastiśuṇḍaṁ Sutta
Background
The Na hastiśuṇḍaṁ Sutta (not the elephant’s trunk expression) belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, an essential part of the Early Buddhist tradition. The Vinaya Piṭaka is a collection of monastic training rules and discipline, compiled to maintain purity and harmony within the community of monks and nuns.
This sutta is recorded in the Patimokkha and Bhikkhu Pātimokkha (the Patimokkha for bhikkhus), where the Buddha teaches prohibitions concerning actions, speech, and thoughts that are not in accord with the Buddhist path. The historical context shows that the rules in the sutta arose from specific events in the monastic community, when some bhikkhus failed to observe ethical conduct, requiring the Buddha to give clear guidance.
Main Content
The Na hastiśuṇḍaṁ Sutta refers to one of the important prohibitions concerning inaccurate speech and inappropriate action. The title means “not the elephant’s trunk expression” (one should not speak rambling, meaningless words or use unsuitable figures of speech to deceive).
In essence, this sutta reminds bhikkhus that the speech of one who practices the Buddhadharma must be truthful, meaningful, and spiritually beneficial. One must not use complicated, ambiguous expressions or rambling words to conceal the truth or elevate oneself. This reflects the principle of “Sammā vācā” (right speech) in the Noble Eightfold Path.
The Buddha teaches that a true practicing bhikkhu avoids frivolous, calculating, or deceitful ways of speaking. Speech must be clear, truthful, and capable of instructing the listener. This prohibition is not only about words, but also concerns the state of mind—there must be no intention to deceive or seek personal benefit through unrighteous speech.
Practical Meaning
In modern spiritual life, the Na hastiśuṇḍaṁ Sutta has profound meaning for those who walk the Buddhist path.
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