Lzh Dg Bi Vb Sk 72Not Burn Corpse Near Stupa
Pāli / Sanskrit:Not burn corpse near stupa
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Commentary on the Text: Not Burning Remains Near a Stupa
Background
This text belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, where the laws and rules governing the community of monks and nuns established by the Buddha are recorded. The Vinaya Piṭaka is not merely a set of dry prohibitions, but guidance born from the Buddha’s love and profound understanding of human nature and the social impact of actions.
The rule on not burning remains near a stupa arose in the context of the early Sangha community, when practical questions concerning the handling of the bodies of monastics or devotees needed to be clarified. A stupa (stupa/chedi) is a sacred symbol of the Three Jewels in Theravāda Buddhism, a place where relics of the Buddha and noble members of the Sangha are honored. Therefore, actions around a stupa must follow the highest standards of reverence.
Main Content
This rule states that monks and nuns are not permitted to burn remains, especially near a stupa or sacred place. The core reasons for this rule include many aspects: first, to avoid defiling or disrespecting sacred places of worship; second, to prevent acts of necromancy or practices connected with death that might give rise to fascination or non-Buddhist rites; third, to protect the purity of the environment of practice.
In the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, this rule also reflects the broader principle of respect for death and for those who have passed away. Although Theravāda Buddhism regards death as a natural part of the cycle of birth and death (saṃsāra), that is not a reason to handle human remains irresponsibly or disrespectfully.
This rule also prevents the use of practices connected with remains for worldly, commercial, or ritual purposes not in accord with the Buddhadharma. It creates a clear boundary between worldly activities and sacred activities in the Sangha community.
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