San Sarv Bu Pm Finot Sk 89Na aśvārūḍhāya
Pāli / Sanskrit:Na aśvārūḍhāya
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Exposition of the Na Aśvārūḍhāya Sutta
Background
The Na Aśvārūḍhāya Sutta, concerning things unsuitable in relation to riding a horse, belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, which contains disciplinary rules in the community of monks and nuns (bhikkhusaṅghapasanda). The Vinaya Piṭaka is a collection of rules regulating the celibate life of monks and nuns, established by the Buddha to maintain discipline, build harmony, and support diligence in practice.
According to the Theravāda tradition, rules on riding horses and related means of transportation concern the full attention (samprajanya) and carefulness (appamāda) of renunciants. The Buddha set forth these restrictions not as an absolute prohibition, but to educate practitioners in avoiding unclear conduct that easily leads to loss of mindfulness (sati) and distraction.
Main Content
This sutta lists circumstances and conditions unsuitable for riding a horse by bhikkhus. According to the main principle, a monastic should avoid actions that may draw unnecessary attention, disturb the mind, or create an image unsuitable to the outward appearance of one practicing the path. Riding a horse, especially when unnecessary or for recreation, contradicts the spirit of humility and restraint.
The specific conditions include situations in which riding a horse may lead to distraction or reveal attachment to sensual pleasures (kāmaguṇa). In addition, the sutta also points out that such activities may damage the example of renunciants in the eyes of laypeople, thereby diminishing faith and respect.
The important point is that the Vinaya Piṭaka does not absolutely reject the use of means of transportation when necessary. For example, if a bhikkhu is ill or must travel far for the work of the Sangha, riding a horse is permitted. This reflects flexibility and judgment according to specific circumstances in Buddhist law.
Practical Meaning
Beyond the historical context, the sutta teaches profound lessons about mindfulness (sati) and wisdom (paññā).
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