Xct Mu Bi Pm Pc 121Nakedness
Pāli / Sanskrit:Nagga
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THE SUTTA ON NAKEDNESS (NAGGA)
Background
The Sutta on Nakedness is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha, the discipline for nuns, at rule 121. It is one of the detailed regulations of Theravāda Buddhism concerning the discipline of trainees, or, in other words, the restrictions applied to the actions of female novices.
According to the Theravāda tradition, the Vinaya Piṭaka is regarded as the foundation of the Buddhist Sangha. Its regulations are not unreasonable restraints, but concrete guidance helping practitioners cultivate purity and avoid actions that may harm themselves and others. The Sutta on Nakedness reflects the Buddha’s concern for protecting the honor of the women’s Sangha and maintaining public respect for nuns.
Main Content
The Sutta on Nakedness states that nuns must not expose their bodies carelessly or disrespectfully. Specifically, nuns are required always to cover their bodies properly, especially in public situations or when in contact with those who are not female monastics.
This rule is directly connected with maintaining standards of dress and conduct for nuns. Specifically, it prohibits nuns from wearing insufficient clothing or exposing parts of the body that, according to the social customs of that time, should not be displayed. This principle is called sammāvāco (right speech), sammākammanta (right action), or, in this context, sammāvesana (proper dress).
The rules concerning dress in the Vinaya Piṭaka are not arbitrary restrictions, but supports for practice. They remind practitioners that the body is a vehicle for practice, not an object for enjoyment or display.
Practical Meaning
In modern circumstances, the Sutta on Nakedness may be understood more broadly as respect for oneself and for others through disciplined conduct.
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