Lzh Dg Bi Pm Sk 75Not Urinate Towards Stupa

Explanation of the Sutra: Not Urinating Toward a Stupa

Context

This sutra is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, the part of the Pāli Canon that gathers monastic rules and the origin stories leading to them. The Vinaya Piṭaka is not merely a collection of mechanical prohibitions, but an expression of the compassion and deep respect that the Buddha taught to the community of monks and nuns.

The origin story of this sutra arose from specific situations in the daily life of bhikkhus. In the Buddha's time, stupas (caitanya, or stūpa) were sacred religious structures where the relics of Buddhas, bodhisattvas, or heroes of the Dharma were kept. The stupa is a symbol of the Three Jewels and a center of reverence in the Buddhist community.

The need to announce a prohibition shows that some bhikkhus did not respect these sacred places - they urinated toward a stupa. The Buddha, with wisdom and compassion, saw that this action not only defiled religious structures but also reflected a lack of spirituality and inner discipline.

Main Content

This rule belongs among prohibitions (pācittiya or pārājika depending on the school) and was included to protect the integrity of places where the Buddhadharma is honored. When a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī violates this rule - that is, intentionally urinates toward a stupa - that person must undergo the corresponding disciplinary consequence.

The issue lies not only in the physical act but in intention (cetana). In the principles of the Buddhadharma, intention is the root cause of karma. The act of urinating toward a stupa, if done with sufficient mental attitude (lack of reverence, contempt for sacred places), reflects a decline in discipline and even the violation of Buddhist symbols. This is why the Buddha did not overlook this action.