Lzh Dg Bi Pm Sk 76Not Urinate Around Stupa

THE SUTRA ON NOT URINATING AROUND A STUPA

Context

This sutra belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. The Vinaya Piṭaka is a collection of ethical and disciplinary rules for bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs, intended to maintain the purity of the Sangha and guide the Buddha's disciples toward liberation.

This sutra is found in the Pātimokkha section, the basic code that bhikkhus gather to recite twice each lunar month in order to purify the mind. It reflects the historical context in which the Buddha founded the Sangha in India, where monastics lived together in monasteries and communities of practice. Rules concerning basic hygiene such as this are not trivial matters, but express the spirit of reverence and the protection of sacred Buddhist spaces.

Main Content

This sutra stipulates that bhikkhus are not permitted to urinate around stupas. Stupas are religious structures used to enshrine relics of the Buddha and arhats, and are regarded as extremely precious places in the Buddhist tradition. Keeping these stupas clean and respecting them is an expression of faith and reverence toward the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha).

This rule is built upon the principle of respecting sacred places. As Buddhism spread, stupas became sacred centers where Buddhists gathered to pay homage, listen to sutras, and practice. Therefore, maintaining cleanliness around a stupa is not only a matter of physical hygiene, but also a way of protecting the sacred reverence of these spaces.

Bhikkhus must observe this rule as part of cultivating pure conduct (Śīla). This rule also reflects that Buddhism does not separate spirituality from daily physical actions, but values the connection between thought, speech, and action.

Practical Meaning

At a deeper level, this sutra teaches us about respect and tact.