Niśraya
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niśraya (P. nissaya; T. brten; C. suoyi 所依) is translated as “requisite,” “reliance,” “support,” etc.[1]
When a monk or nun is ordained, they must pledge to make do with a restricted set of supports (or requisites) that are conducive to a spiritual life.[2] These fall into four categories referred to as the "four requisites" (Skt. catvāro niśrayaḥ; T. gnas bzhi):[1][2]
- alms food,
- robes,
- dwelling places and
- medicine.
- Alms food is to be consumed merely to support the body. Robes are to be used merely to protect the body from heat and cold. Dwelling places are to be used merely to protect the body from the elements and to encourage solitude. Medicine is to be used merely to alleviate symptoms of illness and pain so that the monk may pursue the religious life.[3]
The term niśraya can also be used in the sense of “guidance.” For example, a newly ordained monastic is required to live under the “guidance” of a preceptor (upādhyāya).[1]
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Buswell & Lopez 2014, s.v. niśraya.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1
Four Supports, 84000 Glossary of Terms
- ↑ Buswell & Lopez 2014, s.v. śīlavisuddhi.
Sources
Buswell, Robert E.; Lopez, Donald S. (2014), The Princeton Dictionary of Buddhism, Princeton University