Lzh Dg Bi Pm Sk 78Not Chew Tooth-stick at Base of Stupa

Explanation of the Sutra: Not Chewing a Tooth-stick at the Base of a Stupa

Context

This sutra belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhadharma tradition, where the rules of training and discipline of the Sangha are preserved. It is one of the detailed regulations intended to protect the sacredness of places of Buddhist worship, especially stupas - architectural structures with deep significance of reverence.

In the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, a stupa is not only a religious structure but also a symbol of the Buddhadharma, often preserving holy relics or bodily remains of the Buddha and bodhisattvas. Therefore, the environment around a stupa is considered a sacred space, requiring the highest respect from members of the Sangha.

A tooth-stick (Danta-kaṭṭha) is a common daily implement in Buddhist monastic life. Rather than being treated merely as an ordinary object, its use in sacred places must follow certain principles in order to avoid carelessness or irreverence.

Main Content

The sutra stipulates that bhikkhus are not permitted to chew a tooth-stick near the base of a stupa or in the area surrounding a stupa. This prohibition is related to protecting the purity and dignity of sacred space.

The deeper reason for this regulation lies in three aspects: first, chewing a tooth-stick may leave fragments, saliva, or impurities on the ground, reducing the cleanliness of the place of worship. Second, the act of chewing is considered relatively coarse, unsuitable for an environment requiring dignity and stillness. Third, this prohibition teaches bhikkhus caution and respect toward sacred places, thereby strengthening awareness of maintaining discipline and etiquette.

Such regulations in the Vinaya Piṭaka are not arbitrary prohibitions, but reflect the Buddhist philosophy of reverence, attentiveness, and self-discipline.