Xct Mu Bu Vb Sk 37Na saṁkṣipya pādau niṣatsyāma
Pāli / Sanskrit:Na saṁkṣipya pādau niṣatsyāma
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Commentary on Na saṁkṣipya pādau niṣatsyāma
Context
The text Na saṁkṣipya pādau niṣatsyāma (One should not draw the legs in while sitting) is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Suttavibhaṅga of the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga, the collection of rules on conduct for nuns who have received the Buddhist precepts. The Vinaya Piṭaka is one of the three sacred collections (Tipiṭaka) of the Theravāda tradition, preserving the disciplinary rules that the Buddha Śākyamuni taught the Sangha from the time he opened the path.
Rules concerning bodily posture (āsana) and movement have deep meaning. They are not merely intended to maintain formal discipline, but also reflect the spirit of practice: constant mindfulness, firm independence without relying on anything, and respect for the communal environment of practice.
Main Content
This text states that nuns should not draw the legs in (saṁkṣipya pādau) when sitting, especially in formal contexts such as attending Pabbajjā (the going-forth ceremony), Upasampadā (the full bhikkhunī ordination), or teachings given by a Dharma teacher. Drawing in the legs is considered an undignified appearance, not fitting for the posture of one who has received the precepts.
In the context of practicing the Buddha-Dharma, bodily posture is not a trivial matter. It reflects the degree of clear comprehension (sampajañña) and heedfulness (appamāda) of the practitioner. When we try to maintain posture consciously, unconscious movements lessen. Gradually, mindfulness becomes more stable and less governed by fabricated impulses.
This rule also reflects the disciplinary foundation of the Sangha: all members observe the same standard, creating harmony and unity. When everyone sits properly, without drawing in the legs or constantly changing posture, the space of practice becomes more peaceful and less distracted by unnecessary movement.
Practical Meaning
For modern practitioners, this text teaches us that formal discipline is not meaningless, but a useful tool for training the mind.
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