San Sarv Bu Pm Finot Sk 46Na vikṣiptikākṛtā niṣatsyāma

Explanation of the Na vikṣiptikākṛtā niṣatsyāma Sutra

Background

The Na vikṣiptikākṛtā niṣatsyāma Sutra is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravada Buddhist tradition. This is the section of disciplinary scripture concerning the rules and commitments that bhikkhus must observe. In Sanskrit, the title of this sutra means "We will not live in a scattered, dispersed way," reflecting one of the most basic principles of Monastic Discipline (Pātimokkha).

The Vinaya Pitaka was compiled in gatherings of the Sangha after the Buddha Shakyamuni entered nirvana. The venerable elders and Vinaya masters collected and selected the Buddha's teachings on monastic discipline in order to protect the Sangha and ensure the purity of the Dharma teaching.

Main Content

This sutra concerns the quality of being undistracted (avikṣipta, a mind not dispersed) and concentrated stability (samādhi) in the practice of a bhikkhu. In the context of the Vinaya Pitaka, "scatteredness" refers not only to a mind dispersed in meditation, but also to undisciplined actions, speculative speech, or conduct not in accordance with the vows of one gone forth.

The commitment "we will not live scattered" (na vikṣiptikākṛtā niṣatsyāma) expresses the Sangha's determination to maintain mindfulness and concentration in every action, every word, and every thought. This is the foundation for the Pātimokkha, the code of rules for bhikkhus, recited and proclaimed every half month (about ten days in the Buddhist calendar).

This sutra recognizes that scatteredness is the root that leads to mistakes, violations, and the loss of the opportunity to practice the true Dharma. When the mind is scattered, a bhikkhu easily makes errors in observing Sīla (virtue), Samādhi (concentration), and Paññā (wisdom). The Vinaya Pitaka therefore emphasizes the necessity of mindfulness (sati) and clear comprehension (sampajañña) in all daily activities.