Bi Sk 66. Being unrestrained
Pāli / Sanskrit:Dutiyasusaṁvuta
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The Discourse on Being Unrestrained (Dutiyasusaṁvuta)
Background
This discourse belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, contained within the Bhikkhu Sutta Vibhaṅga (Bi Sk). These are the fundamental rules that bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs must uphold, established by the Blessed One for the protection of the Saṅgha and the preservation of the Dhamma. The discourse "On Being Unrestrained" (Dutiyasusaṁvuta) falls within the category of rules pertaining to the discipline and self-mastery of members of the Saṅgha. This sixth rule addresses the prohibitions that bhikkhus must avoid, particularly those actions that are unrestrained or undisciplined.
The compositional context of the Vinaya Piṭaka consists of specific events during the life of the Blessed One, when he discovered ethical problems arising within the Saṅgha and promulgated rules (khandhaka) to govern the religious community in a just and orderly manner.
Main Content
"Being unrestrained" (asaṁvuta) in the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka is not merely a lack of self-regulation, but rather the condition in which a bhikkhu fails to guard the gates of the sense faculties (indriya), does not maintain the conduct of stillness, and does not observe the disciplinary rules of the Saṅgha. This discourse warns that a practitioner who lacks restraint will easily be swept into actions that violate the five precepts, the ten precepts, or the various rules of the Pāramitās (the higher prohibitions).
Within the context of Theravāda Buddhist law, "being unrestrained" is clearly defined: it is when a bhikkhu transgresses the prohibitions (vārāikaraṇīya) relating to unjustifiable bodily actions, speech, or mental intentions. The discourse clearly sets forth the consequences of such transgression—not only does one lose the trust of the Saṅgha, but one's own individual practice is also weakened.
Dutiyasusaṁvuta emphasizes that discipline (saṁvara) is the foundation for all higher practices. Discipline here is understood as the guarding of the gates of the sense faculties (indriya-saṁvara)—that is, not allowing the eye, ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind to run after stimulating objects.
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