Lzh Dg Bi Vb Sk 62Not Enter Stupa With Shoes
Pāli / Sanskrit:Not enter stupa with shoes
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The Text on Not Wearing Shoes Into a Stupa
Background
This rule appears in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, an extremely important component of the three Pāli baskets. The Vinaya Piṭaka was collected after the Buddha entered nirvana; these rules were agreed upon by the Sangha in order to maintain the discipline and sanctity of the Sangha.
In the context of the development of Buddhism in ancient India, cities and the areas around places of awakening had stupas, religious structures that required absolute respect. A stupa is not only religious architecture but also a symbol of the presence of the Buddha, of bodhisattvas, or of sacred relics. The rule on not wearing shoes into a stupa reflects deep respect for these sacred places and also protects the purity of spiritual space.
Removing shoes when entering a sacred place is a common practice in Eastern religious cultures. Shoes represent the distinction between the defiled outer world and the sacred inner space. This rule applies not only to monastics but also to resident practitioners.
Main Content
The specific rule states: followers of the Buddha, whether bhikkhus, bhikkhunīs, or resident practitioners, are not permitted to wear shoes, sandals, or any covering for the feet when entering the area of a stupa or related sacred places. A person who violates this rule is regarded as violating the Vinaya, and depending on the degree may receive admonition or perform corrective measures.
This rule is not for reasons of hygiene or dust, but to express respect from the heart. Removing shoes is an act symbolizing the leaving behind of pride, ambition, and ego outside, bringing only a pure heart into the sacred place. The rule also aims to create unity in practice among all monastics, without distinction of status or origin.
Practical Meaning
The rule on removing shoes when entering a stupa carries many deep meanings for the practitioner.
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