Mpt Sk 38Na vikṣipya pādau niṣatsyāma
Pāli / Sanskrit:Na vikṣipya pādau niṣatsyāma
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Explanation: Na vikṣipya pādau niṣatsyāma
Background
The sutta Na vikṣipya pādau niṣatsyāma (“We do not sit while thrusting the feet about carelessly”) belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. This is a subtle rule in the Bhikkhunī Vinaya (the rules for bhikkhunīs), reflecting respect and moderation in the performance of practice.
The Vinaya Piṭaka is not simply a code of prohibitions. It is an expression of the compassion and wisdom of the Buddha, intended to protect the well-being of the Sangha community and to educate practitioners in developing self-awareness. The rules on attitude and bodily conduct recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka help practitioners recognize that every movement and every bodily posture carries spiritual meaning.
The context of this regulation arose from practical needs in the life of religious practice. When the bhikkhunīs studied and practiced with the Buddha, it was necessary to maintain discipline and express respect for the Three Jewels, especially in the form of sitting, which is regarded as a most dignified posture.
Main Content
The regulation Na vikṣipya pādau niṣatsyāma concerns the proper way for bhikkhunīs to sit. “Na vikṣipya pādau” means “not to thrust the feet about carelessly,” “not to turn the feet or spread the legs out” in an uncontrolled way. “Niṣatsyāma” means “we shall sit” or “we should sit.”
The sutta teaches that when sitting on solemn occasions such as teaching the Dharma, receiving training, or participating in religious events, a practitioner must sit steadily and with control, with the two feet placed evenly and not left in a loose posture. Keeping the feet in a disciplined posture expresses respect and the effort to concentrate the mind.
This is not a meaningless rule, but a concrete expression of “Indriyasamvara,” restraint of the senses and the body. When the feet are placed quietly, the mind also becomes calmer. That the body does not tremble freely or act unconsciously also means that wisdom (buddhi) is functioning and reason is being practiced.
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