San Sarv Bu Pm Tf 11 Sk 98Nokkhittakāyassa

The Nokkhittakāyassa Sutta - Exposition

Background

The Nokkhittakāyassa Sutta is part of the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically found among the rules concerning Sangha discipline (Saṅghādisesa). The word "Nokkhittakāya" (nok-khit-ta-kā-ya) means "body thrown down" or "body not thrown," referring to situations concerning the body and the physical actions of monastics.

In the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, these rules were established after specific events occurred in the monastic community, when the Buddha discovered problems of conduct or irregularities within the monastery. Rather than issuing absolute laws from the very beginning, he set forth rules only when necessary, reflecting wisdom in governing the community of practice. These rules are not arbitrary restrictions, but guidance for protecting the harmony of the Sangha (Saṅghasāmaggī) and developing morality.

Main Content

The Nokkhittakāyassa Sutta focuses on detailed rules for handling situations related to the physical bodies of monastics, especially actions that may cause disturbance or show disrespect. It includes specific guidance on standards of conduct, respect in physical interactions, and the maintenance of the purity of the Sangha.

These rules are fundamentally part of Pācittiya (offenses requiring confession) or Saṅghādisesa (offenses requiring handling by the whole Sangha). They concern specific actions that a monastic should not perform with his or her own body or with the body of another, in order to maintain the highest ethical standard and avoid anything that could be considered inappropriate for a renunciant.

These rules reflect the basic principle of the Vinaya Piṭaka: to protect monastics from unintentional or intentional actions that could harm their virtue, while also maintaining the trust of the lay community in the Sangha.