Xct Mu Bu Vb Sk 87Not Teach One With Robes Around Neck
Pāli / Sanskrit:Not teach one with robes around neck.
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Exposition of the Scripture "Not Teaching One With a Robe Around the Neck"
Context
This matter is recorded in the Vinaya Pitaka, specifically in the Mukta Vagga section of the Bhikkhu Vibhanga. These are detailed regulations concerning prohibited actions for bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs within the overall system of early Buddhist Vinaya law.
The context of this rule arose from specific events in the Sangha community during the Buddha’s time. Bhikkhus at that time failed to observe the standards of training of the Sangha, so the Buddha needed to issue prohibitions in order to maintain discipline and diligence in study and practice. This scripture relates to one of the specific situations in which the Buddha had to intervene to make a correction.
The Vinaya Piṭaka is not merely a collection of prohibitions, but a deep educational system, intended to help practitioners train the mind, develop sincerity, and cultivate wholesome qualities (kusala dhamma) in order to proceed toward liberation, nirvana.
Main Content
The rule "Not teaching one with a robe around the neck" (Na sikharam desenti) is a prohibition related to the transmission of the Dharma. Specifically, it indicates that bhikkhus should not teach the Dhamma to those who wear a robe around the neck in an informal or disrespectful manner.
In the historical context, "having a robe around the neck" (sikhara) may refer to those who have not formally gone forth, or practitioners who do not fully observe the regulations of the Sangha. The Buddha wished to emphasize that the teaching of the Dharma must be carried out solemnly, orderly, and in accordance with proper principles.
This prohibition also reflects a deeper principle: the Dharma (Dhamma) is precious and sacred, and should not be shared with just anyone without preparation, reverence, and right purpose. Only those who truly wish to practice the Buddhist path, with an attitude of respect and a readiness to observe the Vinaya, are worthy to receive the Dharma from bhikkhus.
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