San Sarv Bu Pm Tf 11 Sk 3Na vikīrṇaṁ nivāsayiṣyāma
Pāli / Sanskrit:Na vikīrṇaṁ nivāsayiṣyāma
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Explanation of the Na vikīrṇaṁ nivāsayiṣyāma Sutta
Background
This sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda tradition of the Buddha-Dharma, where the rules of training and the way of life of the Buddhist Sangha are preserved. The Vinaya Piṭaka is not merely a dry collection of prohibitions, but also a bright mirror of self-awareness and responsibility within the community of practice.
The sutta "Na vikīrṇaṁ nivāsayiṣyāma" (one should not cover what is dirty, or should not leave refuse disordered) concerns management of the living environment of monks and nuns, especially common residences such as monasteries and dormitories. This is a small rule, yet it reflects the Buddha’s spirit: cleanliness of the body and skillful living are inseparable from the practice. The background of this sutta arose when some monks and nuns did not observe hygiene rules, making common dwellings dirty and affecting collective life and the mindfulness of fellow practitioners.
Main Content
This sutta warns that torn, dirty items or refuse should not be left in common places, such as dormitories or dining halls. Instead, there should be separate places to store refuse or unusable objects, or they should be cleanly removed.
The spirit of this rule is: (1) Respect for the shared space of the community, where fellow practitioners live, practice, and study the Dharma together; (2) Protection of the contemplative mind of those with refined sensibilities, since a clean and orderly environment helps the mind be less disturbed by unnecessary feelings; (3) Practicing mindfulness (sati) in every detail of life, from large matters to small ones, without neglecting any aspect.
The sutta is not only about physical cleanliness, but also contains a lesson in responsibility toward the community. Every member of the Sangha must be aware that his or her actions affect not only oneself, but also those around them.
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