Xct Mu Bi Sk 3Nātyavakṛṣṭaṁ nivāsayiṣyāma

Nātyavakṛṣṭaṁ Nivāsayiṣyāma

(Regulations Concerning the Residence of Performers)

Background

This scripture belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka within the Pāli Canon of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. The Vinaya Piṭaka is the foundation of monastic discipline, recording the rules governing the conduct, practice, and administration of the community of Bhikkhus and Bhikkhunīs.

The title "Nātyavakṛṣṭaṁ nivāsayiṣyāma" (performers shall be given residence) reflects a specific situation in early Buddhist history. This is a matter of monastic law concerning whether monastics may receive or support those engaged in the performing arts — such as dancers, actors, and musicians — and allow them to reside within monastic dwellings.

The legal context of this scripture arose from disputes within the monastic community regarding whether individuals from the world of entertainment should be permitted to reside and practice alongside the Sangha. This matter pertains to the purity of the monastic residence (Saṅghārāma) and the influence of secular culture upon the environment of spiritual cultivation.

Principal Content

This scripture addresses a regulation set forth by the Blessed One concerning the reception of those associated with the performing arts. Specifically, the Buddha teaches that the Sangha should not facilitate the residence of such individuals within monastic dwellings, unless they have genuinely gone forth into homelessness and are observing the precepts of monastic discipline (Sīla) in accordance with the rules of the Bhikkhu Sangha.

This regulation reflects a careful balance between compassion (Karuṇā) and the protection of the sanctity of the monastic residence. The Blessed One does not discriminate against such individuals, yet at the same time emphasizes that genuine practice requires the relinquishment of worldly pursuits and a wholehearted commitment to the Noble Path (Ariyamagga).