Lzh Dg Bi Vb Sk 76Not Urinate Around Stupa

The Text on Not Urinating Around a Stupa

Background

This text belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhadharma, in which the disciplinary rules and records of practice established by the Buddha for those gone forth are preserved. The Vinaya Piṭaka is not merely a set of formal regulations, but guidance for protecting purity of body and mind and the flourishing of the Sangha.

The text “Not urinating around a stupa” is presented in the context of the Buddha’s governance of the community of bhikkhus, men gone forth, and bhikkhunīs, women gone forth. Stupas (cetiya) are sacred Buddhist structures, places that inspire faith and reverence among Buddhists. Maintaining reverence and cleanliness around such sacred places is important in order to protect the faith of the community and maintain one’s own discipline.

Main Content

According to the rule in the Vinaya Piṭaka, a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī must not urinate or defecate around a stupa or sacred Buddhist structure. This is not an irrational prohibition, but an expression of respect toward places that the Buddhist community regards as sacred and worthy of protection.

If one gone forth violates this rule, it is a fault in practice. The degree of violation is determined based on awareness, action, and result. Violations connected with the body and disrespect for sacred places are regarded as faults requiring education and correction through acknowledgment of the fault and repentance.

This rule belongs to the body of discipline concerning disrespectful actions toward stupas (Cetiya-vandana) and sacred places. It reflects a broad principle of Theravāda Buddhism: what is sacred must be protected, and what is venerable must be preserved through our conscious actions.

Practical Meaning

This rule teaches us that practice is not only an inner matter but also includes concrete action in social relationships and sacred spaces.