Xct Mu Bu Pm Sk 71Na sāmiṣeṇodakenāntarikaṁ bhikṣuṁ
Pāli / Sanskrit:Na sāmiṣeṇodakenāntarikaṁ bhikṣuṁ
Save your scripture progress
Create a free account to save scriptures, track progress, and continue your daily learning path.
Explanation of the Na sāmiṣeṇodakenāntarikaṁ bhikṣuṁ Sutta
Background
This sutta is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, especially in the Pātimokkha, the basic rules that bhikkhus must preserve. The Vinaya Piṭaka is not merely a collection of dry prohibitions, but the expression of noble conduct, protective boundaries for the spiritual life of those gone forth and for the monastic community where they practice.
The historical background of this sutta concerns the Buddha’s establishment of rules for the life of bhikkhus. Whenever an incident occurred, the Buddha would establish a new rule to prevent similar faults. This shows that the Vinaya Piṭaka developed organically through stages, rather than being issued all at once.
Main Content
The sutta “Na sāmiṣeṇodakenāntarikaṁ bhikṣuṁ” (One should not allow another to take advantage of outward water to approach a bhikkhu) concerns the distribution and use of basic items in monastic life. Specifically, it concerns restrictions on how bhikkhus may receive and use material things, especially things related to bodily care or living conveniences.
In the Theravāda tradition, bhikkhus are permitted to possess very few personal belongings: only three robes, an alms bowl, a cleaning implement, a belt, a water filter, and a sleeping mat. Beyond this, any surplus item distributed through the monastic community must be handled according to specific regulations. This sutta reflects principles of moderation, non-accumulation of wealth, and reliance on available distribution rather than arranging things on one’s own authority.
This is also related to the principle of not personally begging for or seeking unnecessary material resources. A bhikkhu must live with the spirit of one who has gone forth: abandoning material desires, personal preferences, and becoming completely part of the foundation, the monastic community.
🌏 The Buddhist canon is vast — some sūtras (such as comparative Vinaya across schools, or untranslated Tibetan-canon texts) have to this day NEVER been translated into Vietnamese or English by anyone, scholars included. Rather than leave it blank, Inti AI offers a FAITHFUL summary grounded in the tradition — from the sūtra's title, origin and essence — so you can still reach this rare part of the treasury. Whenever an original translation exists, the app shows the original first.
Translations belong to the translator/source credited above. The bilingual compilation, presentation, and AI translations compiled by Inti are © Inti Foundation. Please attribute when quoting; do not bulk-copy or use commercially without permission.