Lzh Dg Bi Vb Sk 67Not Eat at Base of Stupa
Pāli / Sanskrit:Not eat at base of stupa
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The Text on Not Eating at the Base of a Stupa
Background
In the rules of the Vinaya Piṭaka, matters concerning food and places for eating by monks and nuns are regulated in detail in order to protect the purity of the place of practice and reverence for sacred sites within the Buddhist community. This text is one of the disciplinary rules (Dhamma Vinaya) intended to maintain virtue and to thoroughly embody the spirit of the Four Noble Truths through practical daily action.
The Blessed One had these golden reasons for laying down such rules: first, to protect reverence for sacred places; second, to maintain the noble image of the monastic community before the lay community; third, to guide disciples to direct the mind toward meditation and pure conduct, rather than toward trivial things.
Main Content
The rule on not eating at the base of a stupa belongs within the framework of disciplinary rules concerning places (Santhāna Pabbajjā) related to the Pāṭimokkha, the life according to the precepts. A stupa is a symbol of the Buddhadharma and a place preserving the relics of the Buddha or noble ones, and is therefore considered among the most venerable sacred sites in Buddhism.
Eating and drinking at the base of a stupa is forbidden chiefly for the following reasons: it is disrespectful toward a sacred place; it is unaesthetic and may leave stains or waste, even unintentionally; it reflects a mind not yet fully renouncing greedy habits connected with the pleasure of eating.
A trainee in the discipline should not sit and eat there personally, should not encourage others to eat there, and should not even leave food nearby carelessly. This rule applies to all bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs, whether they are new or long experienced. It does not distinguish status or seniority within the community.
Practical Meaning
The text on not eating at the base of a stupa is not only a material rule but a profound lesson in the transformation of consciousness.
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