Xct Mu Bu Pm Sk 24Nolambikayā gamiṣyāma

EXPOSITION OF THE NOLAMBIKAYĀ GAMIṢYĀMA DISCOURSE

Context

The Nolambikayā gamiṣyāma discourse belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, the teachings of the Buddha concerning discipline and rules of conduct for the community of monks and nuns. The Vinaya Piṭaka, also called the discipline tradition, is the foundation for governing the conduct and ethics of those who have gone forth to practice in the Theravāda Buddhist tradition.

The word “Nolambikayā” carries the meaning of “not clinging,” “not grasping,” or “not being attached to material things,” while “gamiṣyāma” means “we shall go” or “we shall proceed.” This discourse is recorded in regulations concerning virtue (sīla) and the conduct of bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs, instructing them how to practice without being bound by desires or attachment to material gains.

The historical context of this discourse reflects the Buddha’s carefulness in establishing regulations for monks and nuns so that those who have gone forth may maintain a state of freedom and not forget the final purpose of practice: realizing nirvana and liberation from suffering.

Main Content

The discourse teaches the principle of “non-clinging” (anolambana) in the practice of the Buddhadharma. This is a key concept in the training path of bhikkhus: in the process of practice, renunciants should not create attachment or fascination toward material things, fame, or even spiritual experiences that can easily become bonds.

The discourse emphasizes that the path of practice of a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī must be based on clear understanding of the impermanent (anicca), suffering (dukkha), and non-self (anattā) nature of all phenomena. Through the practice of meditation, maintaining ethical discipline, and developing wisdom, they gradually abandon psychological bonds.

Specifically, the discourse teaches that monastics should “go forward without clinging” to anything, whether pleasures, spiritual attainments, or even temporary forms of peace.